Cop in Pampanga teen slay faces admin, criminal raps

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos on Wednesday ordered the Central Luzon regional police to initiate administrative and criminal proceedings against a Pampanga policeman who allegedly shot and killed a teenager in Bacolor town last week.

The PNP said a homicide complaint was filed against Police Cpl. Alvin Pastorin, 33, an intelligence officer of the Pampanga police, for the death of Abelardo Vasquez, 19, whom the former supposedly accosted, along with four others, for not wearing face masks on Nov. 20.

Initial investigation by the local police showed that Vasquez and his companions “repeatedly stoned, attacked and mauled” the policeman after a heated argument at 1:30 a.m. in Barangay San Vicente.

Irked

A PNP report said Vasquez called for help from his relatives, who were then having a drinking session. A witness said Pastorin took his firearm and shot Vasquez, who was putting weight on him.

Benjamin Quizon, a friend of the victim, earlier told reporters that Pastorin was drunk, a claim that Police Col. Robin Sarmiento, Pampanga police director, refuted based on the account of an investigator.

In a television news report, a cousin of the victim said they were talking outside their house when they were approached by Pastorin who appeared to be irked by their noise.

Pastorin then confronted Vasquez’s uncle and pushed him. The victim then chased the policeman, who fired at least three shots, which hit and killed Vasquez.

Lou, Vasquez’s mother, appealed for justice for her son. She said Vasquez took odd jobs to support their family after her husband died.

Carlos expressed sympathy to Vasquez’s family.

“I … assure them that justice will be served following the due process of the law,” said Carlos, who also ordered Police Brig. Gen. Matthew Baccay, regional police director, to conduct a deeper investigation of the case. —REPORTS FROM DEXTER CABALZA AND TONETTE OREJAS