Cop who killed man mistaken for robber faces homicide complaint

MANILA, Philippines — The policeman who had mistaken a construction worker for a robbery suspect and shot him dead is now facing a homicide complaint, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Debold Sinas said Monday.

Sinas was referring to Cpl. Eframe Ramirez, who was pursuing a robbery-holdup suspect but shot and killed construction worker, Federico Pineda, 29, last Saturday.

“‘Yung pulis natin ay dinisarmahan ng chief of police at nag-file ng kaso ng homicide sa kanya. I have already instructed the regional director of PRO-3 (Police Regional Office 3) na tutukan ito,” Sinas said in a press briefing.

He said the policeman will also face a case for illegal discharge of firearm. He added he had also instructed the regional director of PRO-3 to pursue an administrative case for the officer’s immediate dismissal from service.

“The chief of police and provincial director of Pampanga PPO (Police Provincial Office) were directed to coordinate with the family of the victim and assure them of police support and assistance and that we will not condone such an act,” he also said.

Pineda’s relatives said he was wearing a white undershirt and riding a motorcycle when he was shot. Citing video footage, they said the robbery suspect was also wearing a white undershirt and was riding a motorcycle on the same route as Pineda.

Pineda’s sister, Michelle Pagauisan, said he was confronted and later chased by policemen who fired at him.

The suspect, who was later identified as Joven Basera, was arrested the following day.