Cop shoots robber, hits civilian instead

CEBU, Philippines – He was aiming at two robbers but instead hit a civilian. PO1 William Cordova, 28, of the Oslob Police Station was on board the front seat of a public utility jeepney Tuesday evening along Manalili St., Cebu City when he noticed a commotion at the back portion of the vehicle.

The passengers were being robbed by two men so he introduced himself as a police officer. With this the robbers jumped from the jeepney and fired at him.

Cordova returned fire and hit a man standing beside the road - Alfredo Porgatorio Carza, 40, of Lower Hermag, Mandaue City.

Carza was wounded on his left elbow. Noticing this, Cordova rushed him immediately to the Cebu City Medical Center for treatment.

Cordova then turned himself in at the Cebu City Police Office.

PO2 Jordan Batucan, Investigator of the Homicide Section, said that PO1 Cordova was detained at Waterfront Police Station after he surrendered. Carza is not interested to file a case against Cordova, saying he understands that it was not intentional.

Senior Superintendent Erson Digal, in a press conference, said that it was purely accident.

He said PO1 William Cordova fired a shot because one of the PUJ robbers pointed a gun and was about to fire at him.

Digal said that they already talked to the victim and agreed that the police will shoulder the hospital bills.

He added that what PO1 Cordova did was in line with his duty and was a legitimate action by a police.

Digal also said that the police in the province do not have any practice in proficiency firing so they will send a request to the police regional director on this. He added that the policemen conduct firing on their own. - Donna B. Vitualia, USJR Masscom Intern/Mellanie C. Rosales/JPM (FREEMAN)