THE Quezon City People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) has ordered the dismissal of a police officer who shot dead a traffic enforcer whom he mistook for a carnapper last October.
Lt. Felixberto Tiquil, assigned with the Anti-Carnapping Unit of the Manila Police District, was dismissed from the service on charges of grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.
The charges were lodged by Charilyn Pagsibigan and Paul Timothy Delos Reyes, wife and friend, respectively, of the victim, Quezon City traffic enforcer Edgar Follero.
The administrative charges against Tiquil are on top of the murder case lodged by police investigators.
The incident occurred last October 13, in front of the Muñoz market on Edsa, Quezon City where Follero and Delos Reyes were seen by Tiquil pushing a motorcycle, which later turned out to be owned by Delos Reyes.
Before the shooting, Delos Reyes, a Lalamove motorcycle rider, sought the help of Follero, his friend, after his motorcycle broke down after making a delivery in Manila.
The Quezon City Police District earlier said Tiquil stopped the two, in front of the Muñoz market, after seeing Delos Reyes pushing the motorcycle, with Follero on board.
Tiquil, who was in civilian clothes at that time, and Follero later figured in a heated argument that led to the cop shooting the victim twice using his 9 mm pistol.
Delos Reyes told the media that Tiquil accused him and Follero of being carnappers, which he said they denied. He said Tiquil then shot his friend.
Tiquil was arrested by QCPD operatives in the vicinity.
In a six-page decision, the QC PLEB dismissed the alibi of Tiquil that he shot Follero in self defense because he thought the latter and his companion were carnappers.
“We do not buy the alibi of Tiquil that he shot Follero because of self-defense. He claims to be a seasoned police officer, and yet at the slightest instance, his first instinct is to inflict a mortal wound against an innocent person,” said Atty. Rafael Calinisan, executive officer of the QC PLEB.
Calinisan said what Tiquil did was a “clear violation” of the PNP Rules and Procedure.
“Further, Tiquil also claims to have chased the victims from Nagtahan, Manila up to Roosevelt, Quezon City. How can people pushing a defective motorcycle outrun a seasoned cop on a motorbike? We are more than convinced that Tiquil was not being truthful in his narrative of what happened,” said Calinisan.
Follero’s wife thanked the QC PLEB for the swift resolution of the case, adding Tiquil has no right to remain as a cop.
QC Mayor Joy Belmonte, among those who earlier condemned the act of Tiqul, warned rogue policemen that they will be held accountable for any infraction they commit in the city.
“The resolution of this case is a triumph for justice. In less than 60 days from the filing of the complaint, the PLEB was able to resolve this matter with utmost impartiality and dispatch,” said Belmonte.
“The wheels of justice run fast here in Quezon City, without fear or favor. I again commend the PLEB QC for their prompt action in helping out the ‘little one’ in need,” added Belmonte.
