MANILA, Philippines — A police officer who was accused of shooting seven people, including a minor, in Caloocan City surrendered to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Tuesday.
According to the Northern Police District (NPD), PO1 Danilo Tiempo of the Navotas City Police Station appeared in Muñoz, Quezon City, after officials asked his mother to persuade him to surrender.
NPD stated that testimonies from several witnesses said a group of men in Purok 4, Kawal Street, Barangay 26 in Caloocan who were playing cara y cruz on Monday night started a riot. Shortly after people started throwing bottles, several gunshots were heard, leaving seven individuals injured.
The victims were identified as Jayrold Balais, 28; Wilmer Cabulao, 36; Oliver Panican, 32; Anthony Claid Solero, 29; Marvin Borres, 40; Joel Ramos, 37; and a 16-year old minor, all of whom hail from Caloocan.
The witnesses and victims claim that the gunshots were from Tiempo of the Navotas City Police Station.
After he surrendered to authorities, Tiempo explained to NCRPO Director Guillermo Eleazar that he was initially inside their residence when the riot occurred.
However, upon learning that his father was mauled by several men led by Balais, he went outside with his 9mm pistol service firearm and a personal .45 caliber handgun.
Tiempo said that he confronted the group but instead of fearing him, the men charged towards him, prompting him to open fire for his safety.
All victims were rushed to Caloocan City Medical Center and Jose Reyes Medical Center for treatment. Tiempo on the other hand, was placed under the custody of Caloocan City Police Station while the case under further investigation. /je