Cop faces raps for fatal ‘friendly fire’

MANILA, Philippines — Charges have been filed against a policeman tagged in the accidental shooting of his fellow officers during a rescue operation for kidnap victims in Angeles, Pampanga, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said yesterday.

At a briefing at Camp Crame yesterday, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo confirmed the death was the result of “friendly fire.”

Investigation showed the fatal shot was fired during a clearing operation at the kidnappers’ hideout.

The policeman, a patrolman, was part of the team and mistakenly fired his weapon when he spotted a gun pointed in his direction.

“The bullet struck (Eden) Accad first, exited his body and hit (Nelson) Santiago in the chest, causing fatal injuries,” Fajardo said.

According to the autopsy report, Santiago died from a gunshot to the chest, which damaged his lungs and aorta.

The patrolman owned up to the shooting and surrendered his firearm. He is currently detained at the facility of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group.

Although the shooting was accidental, Fajardo said the officer must still face the consequences of his actions.

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil ordered a thorough review of the operation, including the equipment used and the lack of bulletproof vests for Santiago and Accad.

The PNP-Internal Affairs Service (IAS) conduct its own investigation of the incident.

Inspector General Brigido Dulay said the IAS initiated its own probe as it involves a fatality and an injury among the PNP ranks during a legitimate police operation.