PDEA-7 agent who ‘shot’ boy released

AN agent of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Central Visayas (PDEA-7) accused of shooting and wounding a 12-year-old boy in barangay Tinago, Cebu City has been released from jail.

PO1 Leo Vincent Ortega Morales was released before 6 p.m. last Monday after the boy’s parents decided not to file charges against him, said police.

Police said it was Morales who shouldered the medical expenses of the boy, who was wounded in the left knee.

Jessie Tabanao, asst. information officer of PDEA-7, said the administrative investigation against Morales will continue despite the boy’s parents’ decision not to file a case.

Morales’ service firearm, a 9mm pistol, was turned over to the PNP crime laboratory for a ballistic test.

Based on a blotter report at the homicide section of the Cebu City Police Office, the PDEA-7 agent suspected that the boy was a thief and confronted him in sitio Calera last Sunday night.

Police said Morales allegedly drew a gun when he confronted the boy.

Morales cocked the gun before it went off, hitting the boy in the left knee.

Morales surrendered to the police after bringing the boy to the Cebu City Medical Center./CORRESPONDENT CHITO O. ARAGON