Pasay cop chases, kills driver who took his van

A Pasay policeman faces multiple charges for shooting and killing a man who allegedly took his Toyota Avanza.

Roderick Paulino died on the spot after he was shot in the back of the head by PO2 Aican Aylani, 31, a member of the  Pasay City police.

Aylani will be formally charged today in the Parañaque prosecutor’s office with murder, homicide and three counts of frustrated homicide.

The shooting occurred around 7 p.m. on Friday near the Baclaran Church in Parañaque City, as Paulino was driving the supposed stolen vehicle.

As Paulino was shot, he lost control of the Avanza, which rammed into a passenger jeepney and several bystanders, including a 21-year-old vendor, Mary Lingap.

She died the following day at San Juan de Dios Hospital, said Senior Insp. Jerry Sunga,  Parañaque police investigation section chief.

Injured bystanders

Three other people — Joan Casilao, Ian Rence Mervida and Luz Averia — were injured.

Aylani  later surrendered to his superior, Pasay City Police Community Precinct 5 commander, Chief Insp. Remedios Terte, who turned him over to the Parañaque police.

Sunga told the Inquirer Aylani had claimed that Paulino was his driver who stole his van on June 11.

Aylani said he was on his way home on a motorcycle on Friday night when he spotted the Avanza in Pasay City with Paulino behind the wheel.

A chase ensued, ending in the victim being shot on Roxas Boulevard, outside the Baclaran Church.

Aylani claimed he just defended himself because Paulino tried to kill him by ramming his motorcycle.

The policeman fired at the victim using his 9 mm service pistol with the bullet piercing the back of the van and hitting Paulino in the head.

While Aylani presented an official receipt and certificate of registration to prove he was the owner of the Avanza, Sunga said investigators were still checking his claims.

No corroboration

Sunga added that they could not corroborate Aylani’s statement with Paulino’s family because the victim was not carrying any identification card.

“We don’t even know if Roderick Paulino is really the victim’s name. All we have right now is Aylani’s side of the story,” he said.