CHR probes teen’s slay by Rizal cop

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has initiated a motu proprio investigation into the killing of a 15-year-old boy by a police officer in Rodriguez, Rizal.

John Frances Ompad was reportedly shot outside his home by Cpl. Arnulfo Sabillo of the Rodriguez police on Aug. 20.

“The CHR has engaged with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and visited the family of the victim as part of our independent probe,” the CHR said in a statement yesterday.

“We hope that our independent investigation aids in the pursuit of accountability from the perpetrators,” the agency said.

Reports said Sabillo and a civilian companion tried to pull over a motorcycle driven by Ompad’s brother John Ace.

Sabillo and his companion were reportedly in plain clothes and drunk.

John Ace reportedly did not stop. A chase ensued.

John Ace took off his helmet and hurled it at Sabillo and his companion. This allegedly prompted the policeman to draw his gun and shoot.

Sabillo missed and hit John Frances, who had just stepped out of their house.

The victim died while being treated in a hospital for a gunshot wound in the abdomen.

The CHR said it is “seriously concerned” over the incident as this was the second time that a minor was mistakenly killed in a police operation.

On Aug. 2, Navotas City policemen shot dead 17-year-old Jerhode Jemboy Baltazar in a case of mistaken identity.

“Every police officer as a duty-bearer of the people’s rights must be reminded of their duty ‘to serve and protect,’ and the irreversibility of errors resulting in the arbitrary deprivation of life. Acts of violence that may result in the violation of rights should never be the first response to aggression,” the CHR said.

It said the PNP manual of operations states that the conduct of checkpoint operations should be authorized by the chief of the PNP’s territorial unit.

The CHR said the PNP manual also states that a checkpoint must be manned by police personnel in “presentable appearance while wearing the prescribed uniform.”