QC cop in gun-grabbing incident may be promoted

MANILA, Philippines–A possible promotion is in the works for the 38-year-old Quezon City policewoman who inadvertently shot dead the suspect in eight robberies, three rapes and the killing of a Korean woman when he grabbed her gun on Feb. 16.

The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said it would recommend the meritorious promotion of PO3 Juvy Jumuad for her “vigilance and ability to control the situation” when Mark Soque tried to grab her service firearm as she was escorting him to the city prosecutor’s office.

This was according to Jumuad’s supervisor, QCPD director Chief Supt. Joel Pagdilao, who, on Monday, also gave her a certificate of commendation for her “extraordinary display of bravery in restraining the violent actions of [Soque] that could have potentially claimed her life or the lives of other people.”

Soque was the main suspect in robberies which targeted eight establishments in Quezon City between December and February. He also reportedly raped three of his victims and then shot dead Mi Kyung Park, a Korean businesswoman, when she walked into one of the establishments during a heist.

Based on an anonymous tip, Soque was arrested on Feb. 12 as he was about to pull off another robbery in a mall.

Despite doubts about the incident, the QCPD fully backs Jumuad’s story, even calling her actions “truly praiseworthy.”

An Ozamiz City native, Jumuad, entered the police service in 2001. Her last promotion was in 2009.

The QCPD may recommend the spot promotion of Jumuad to SPO1 but it will have to be approved by high-ranking police officials, said QCPD spokesperson Senior Insp. Maricar Taqueban.