A teenager is fighting for his life after a drunk cop accidentally shot him in the head on Tuesday night.
A manhunt is on for the immediate arrest of the suspect, Manila Police District’s PO1 Abraham Ventura, who quickly fled the crime scene.
Chief Insp. Ramon Christian Laygo, head of the Taguig police investigation section, told the Inquirer on Wednesday that Ventura was roaming around Barangay Lower Bicutan close to midnight after he and a companion, identified only as Ian, had been drinking together.
The two men reportedly encountered jeepney dispatcher Jhon Rich Layson at around 11:50 p.m. Without provocation, Ventura’s companion allegedly punched Layson, who immediately fled the area.
He returned to the area later, and Ventura, upon seeing him, allegedly fired a shot in his direction, but he hit Manalastas instead. Ventura escaped but his police identification card fell out his pocket, allowing investigators to identify him.
Laygo said Manalastas was rushed to the Taguig-Pateros District Hospital where he remains in critical condition.
Meanwhile, the Taguig police were checking Ventura’s status at the MPD where he was reportedly absent without official leave (AWOL).
Senior Supt. Alexander Santos, Taguig City police chief, is calling on Ventura to surrender and take responsibility for the encounter. /ee