CHR probes another teen death in hands of cops in Rizal

John Frances Ompad. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Monday said it started its self-initiated investigation into the death of a teenager in Rizal after he was hit by a bullet supposedly fired by police at the victim’s brother, saying that it was “seriously concerned” over the incident as it was the second police shooting in a month.

In a statement, the CHR said it had already coordinated with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and visited the family of the victim upon starting its motu proprio (on its own) investigation.

“CHR is seriously concerned over this incident, especially that this is the second instance this month when the perpetrator of the alleged arbitrary deprivation of life involves a police officer, and the victim is a minor,” the commission said.

The probe stems from the death of John Frances Ompad, 15-year old last Aug. 20.

Ompad was killed after the victim’s brother, John Ace, was initially flagged down by Police Corporal Arnulfo Sabillo, 37, through the “Oplan Sita,” for driving a “suspicious-looking” vehicle.

However, the incident escalated into a chase after John Ace refused to stop, claiming that Sabillo was not wearing a police uniform and appeared to be drunk.

The policemen chased John Ace until they reached the house of the Ompad brothers. There, the accused reportedly threw a helmet at Sabillo. The police officer then retaliated by shooting John Ace, but instead hit his brother John Francis.

Sabilio was also reportedly with another companion in civilian clothes when the incident occurred.

According to the CHR, the PNP manual of operations is “very clear” in its guidelines for the conduct of checkpoints, including securing the necessary authorization from the head of office of the territorial PNP unit, as well as being in the prescribed uniform when manning the checkpoint.

“And even when a legitimate checkpoint is ignored, the said PNP manual reminds us that reasonable force must be employed to overcome aggression,” it added.

While the CHR acknowledged the arrest of Sabillo and his companion, as well as the homicide and attempted homicide cases charged against them, it reminded police officers of their duty “to serve and protect.”

It reiterated that acts of violence that may result in the violation of rights “should never be the first response to aggression.”

“At the same time, the country has seen enough human-rights violations that warrant serious reforms from duty-bearer institutions, such as the police, so they may fully and faithfully uphold their obligation to respect, protect, and fulfill human rights,” said the CHR.

Ompad’s murder comes just two weeks after the shooting of 17-year-old Jerhode “Jemboy” Baltazar on August 5, reportedly by members of the Navotas police who mistook him for a different suspect.

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JPV