MANILA, Philippines?The administrative case of three police officers of Makati City accused of shooting a minor last week has been referred to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) for proper disposition, its director said on Tuesday.

"The proceedings were elevated to the regional level since the NCRPO chief has the authority to hire and dismiss police officers from the service," said Chief Superintendent Alan Purisima, the NCRPO director.

The summary dismissal proceedings of Chief Inspector Angelo Germinal, Police Officer 3 Robert Rinion and PO1 Nicolas Apostol Jr. began last week at the level of the Southern Police District after the three police officers surfaced and surrendered to Chief Supt. Jose Arne de los Santos.

The proceedings then were brought to the NCRPO since the policemen faced a complaint that would merit a punishment of dismissal from the service if the three were found guilty of the charges.

The policemen were accused of shooting a teenaged scavenger in Makati City, after purported firing two warning shots apparently intended to scare the victim off an abandoned building where he picked scrap material. The boy was identified as Christian Serrano, 13.

If found guilty, Germinal and his two subordinates could be dismissed from the service, Purisima said.

The official clarified that the administrative case was different from the criminal complaint, which was lodged against the policemen before the Makati City Prosecutor's Office.