Manila mayor to probe cops’ role in pedicab driver’s death

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza has ordered a probe on complaints by members of a Muslim community of an alleged "bungled" police operation in Quiapo last week, which claimed the life of a 19-year-old pedicab driver.

Muslim community residents, accompanied by their barangay leaders, sought a meeting with Atienza and debunked claims by authorities that there was a shootout that caused the death of Ali Abdullah and the unwarranted arrest of six others, including Barangay Councilman Amir Casan.

Atienza will convene the city’s People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) to look into the matter. He also directed his legal office to conduct an impartial investigation into the alleged shootout.

Meanwhile, a ranking Muslim official and several Muslim elders have confirmed that there was actually a shootout and that they have personally witnessed several men firing at Manila policemen.

Office of the Muslim Affairs Metro Manila regional director Mohammad Tanggote virtually absolved the Manila policemen yesterday by saying that Casan’s relatives and supporters fired at the police when they mistakenly heard that Casan was shot by arresting policemen. — Nestor Etolle