Charges vs 8 cops in Parañaque shootout recommended

Eight members of the Highway Patrol Group that took part in last month’s shootout with suspected robbers in Parañaque that killed 16 people – among them at least four bystanders – and wounded five others are facing administrative charges before the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) of the Philippine National Police.

They will also be charged criminally before the courts, according to the IAS.

Facing charges are Chief Inspectors Joel Mendoza and Lawrence Cajipe, Inspector Gerardo Balatucan, Police Officers 3 Jolito Mamanao Jr. and Fernando Rey Gapuz, Police Officers 2 Eduardo Blanco and Edwin Santos, and Police Officer 1 Josil Rey Lucena.

Police Officer 1 Elybeer Cayaban will be charged with violating the human rights of the victims.

Inspector General Jaime Tagaca of the IAS said his recommendation to administratively charge the eight was based on a month-long investigation of the shootout.

“Because of the findings, I am recommending to Philippine National Police chief Director General Jesus Verzosa the filing of administrative charges for neglect of duty and grave misconduct,” he said.

Tagaca said the filing of administrative charges is without prejudice to the filing of criminal charges against the eight policemen.

“The participating elements had some lapses in police procedures because they were not able to prevent innocent civilians from death and injuries,” he said.

Investigation showed the eight were near the Crosswind carrying Alfredo de Vera and his daughter Lia at the time of the shootout, he added.

Tagaca said the HPG policemen failed to cordon off the scene of the shootout to prevent bystanders from getting hurt.

“There were also noted violations of human rights,” he said.

On the other hand, Metro Manila police commander Director Leopoldo Bataoil said he will ask CALABARZON police director Chief Superintendent Perfecto Palad to coordinate with the IAS.

Palad was HPG head at the time of the shootout, he added.

Bataoil said he would recommend a policy for a ground commander and an assistant commander during police operations.

Blocking forces must be comprised of uniformed policemen, and that vehicles involved in operations must have countersigns, he added.

Of the fatalities, around 10 were suspected criminals, four were civilians, and one policemen from the Special Action Force, according to police.

Wounded were the chief of the HPG’s anti-hijacking Task Force Limbas, Chief Inspector Eleuterio Cabe, and Inspector Erick Roranes of SAF.

SAF trooper Police Officer 1 Nixon Vinasoy, four civilians and a security guard were killed in the shootout.