Cop shot dead by minor due to curfew reprimand

CEBU, Philippines — A 16-year-old boy shot a police officer after being confronted for being out after the curfew past midnight on July 27 at P. Remedios Street, Barangay Banilad, Cebu City.

The victim was identified as Police Staff Sergeant OrvinSeth Lim Felicio, 43, a resident of Consolacion, Cebu, who was assigned to Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) Station 5.

According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Mercy Villaro, the information officer at the MCPO, Felicio, who was not on duty by then, was going to pick up his wife from work when he observed barangay tanods enforcing a city ordinance regarding curfew for minors.

While driving, Felicio saw a minor fleeing from the tanods. He then chased the 16-year-old, identified himself as a police officer, and advised the minor to go back home.

As the police officer tried to park his motorcycle to talk to the minor, the suspect suddenly pulled out a .38 caliber pistol and shot him in the upper right arm and head.

Felicio was pronounced dead at the scene by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).

The suspect initially evaded arrest during a hot pursuit operation. But by morning, the minor surrendered to his teacher. The teacher then informed the police, leading to the suspect's arrest where he delivered the firearms used in the crime.

Investigation further disclosed that the minor is also associated with a gang, which contributed to his fear of being apprehended.

Felicio, who had dedicated 15 years to law enforcement, is a graduate of Batch 2008 of the Philippine National Police (PNP). He left behind a wife and two children.

The MCPO is preparing to file murder charges against the minor. In addition to the legal proceedings, the MCPO and the city director will provide financial assistance to Felicio's family as part of the benefits for officers killed in the line of duty. — (FREEMAN)