MANILA – A police officer is facing dismissal from the service for shooting and killing a 19-year-old fisherman in General Santos City in February.
Inspector Gen. Brigido Dulay, Philippine National Police-Internal Affairs Service (PNP-IAS) chief, said Thursday he has submitted to the office of PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil the recommendation to dismiss the police corporal, whose name was withheld, after he was found guilty of grave misconduct.
“Their badge will not shield them from felonious behavior or conduct. As law enforcers, they are duty-bound to abide by and uphold the law, whether in or out of uniform,” Dulay said in a statement.
Witnesses said the incident occurred inside a videoke house in General Santos City on Feb. 21, where the police officer was drinking with a group of men last February.
The victim identified as Marvin Bahian and his companions were also drinking at another table outside the establishment.
For still unknown reasons, a heated argument ensued between the cop and the victim, with the suspect drawing his firearm and shooting the victim multiple times.
Bahian died instantly from several gunshot wounds, while the cop fled the scene.
Police eventually arrested the suspect on Feb. 22.
The suspect was charged with the administrative offense of grave misconduct while a criminal case for murder was filed against him by the General Santos City Prosecutor's Office.
Reports showed that the officer had previously been involved in another physical altercation while drunk. (PNA)
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