Pasig cop in trouble after ‘accidentally’ shooting suspect dead
A policeman is in hot water after he “accidentally” shot dead a man accused of molesting a seven-year-old girl and another woman in Pasig City on Sunday evening.
Based on a report reaching Eastern Police District director Chief Supt. Romulo Sapitula, 32-year-old Paolo Pabale, of Buena Compound in Cainta, Rizal died after he was shot in the head by Police Officer 1 Rey Pacis inside the mobile patrol car while traveling along Dr. Sixto Antonio Avenue in Brgy. Rosario around 9 p.m.
In a meeting with reporters at the Pasig City Police headquarters, National Capital Region Police Office Chief Oscar Albayalde said Pabale was intoxicated when he grabbed the service firearm of Pacis.
The EPD said the mother of the minor earlier reported Pabale to the city’s Police Community Precinct (PCP) 6 around 7:30 p.m. for acts of lasciviousness and violations of Republic Act 7610 after Pabale touched the private part of the minor.
Eva*, another complainant, also reported Pabale for allegedly mashing her breast, the EPD report said.
After reporting to the police, Pacis and the complainants went to the Kutsaron KTV Bar along Ortigas Avenue Extension where they saw the already unruly suspect drinking liquor.
Pacis immediately arrested Pabale and brought him to PCP6. After a brief confrontation, Pabale was then sent for a medico legal examination.
While traversing Dr. Sixto Avenue, the suspect, who was seated beside Pacis, reportedly grabbed the policeman’s gun, which “accidentally went off and hit Pabale in the head,” the report said.
Pabale was brought to the Pasig City General Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.
Sapitula said Pacis, who remains under restrictive custody of the Pasig City Police, is already relieved from his duties.
An investigation is ongoing to determine his involvement or liability in Pabale’s death. He also surrendered his 9mm Beretta to the police. /kga
