PNP chief Dionardo Carlos yesterday ordered a thorough investigation on a shooting incident involving a policeman that resulted in the death of a teenager in Pampanga last week.
Carlos issued the order even as he expressed sympathy to the family of the victim, Abelardo Vasquez, 19, a resident of Barangay San Vicente in Bacolor, Pampanga.
Facing investigation is Cpl. Alvin Pastorin, assigned with the intelligence branch of the Bacolor police station.
Carlos said he has directed Central Luzon Regional Police Director Brig. Gen. Matthew Baccay to initiate administrative and criminal investigation against Pastorin, who is currently on restrictive custody at the town police station.
A case of homicide has been filed by the police against Pastorin before the local prosecutor’s office.
“I would like to express my sincerest condolences to the bereaved family of Mr. Vasquez and assure them that justice will be served following the due process of the law,” Carlos said.
Initial information showed Pastorin, who came from an intelligence operation, went to a store owned by a friend last November 20 and saw five drunken men, including Vasquez, who were shirtless and not wearing face masks.
Pastorin confronted the five and told them to go home and get face masks and wear shirts, leading to a heated argument.
After a while, Vasquez’s group returned with their relatives. As Pastorin was going to his vehicle, Vasquez’s group threw rocks and then manhandled him. Pastorin fell to the ground where Vasquez pinned him.
Police said at that point, Pastorin drew his firearm and opened fire at Vasquez, who was brought to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.
The National Capital Region Police Office said the four firearms belonging to former M/Sgt. Jonel Nuezca, who shot dead a mother and her son during a heated argument in Tarlac in December 2020, have been recovered.
Aside from his service firearm, also recovered from Nuezca were two Beretta 9mm caliber pistols and a Thompson .45 caliber pistol.
Nuezca has been convicted for two counts of murder last August 26, 2021. — With Noel Talacay
