FRIENDLY fire caused the death of a policeman and the wounding of another lawman during a rescue operation for two Chinese kidnap victims in Angeles City, Pampanga last week, the PNP said yesterday.
PNP spokeswoman Col. Jean Fajardo said a case of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and serious physical injury has been filed against a member of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group who accidentally fired his gun.
The policeman, with the rank of patrolman, will also face an investigation preparatory to the filing of administrative charges that may lead to his dismissal from the service.
Also facing administrative investigation are several other policemen for possible lapses.
The incident occurred last August 3 at an apartment in Angeles City during the rescue operation for two Chinese kidnap victims who were kidnapped in Makati City earlier that day.
The operation led to the successful rescue of the kidnap victims and the arrest of two kidnappers identified as Hu Kai and Ryu Don, who yielded a cal. 45 pistol, a cal. 38 revolver, drug paraphernalia and jungle knives.
Citing the results of the police investigation, Fajardo said members of the AKG-Special Operations Group entered the apartment to conduct a clearing operation.
However, one of them accidentally fired his rifle, hitting two of the policemen — Staff Sergeant Nelson Santiago and Chief Master Sergeant Eden Accad — who had earlier entered the apartment.
The two were brought to the Angeles University Foundation Medical Center but Santiago was pronounced dead on arrival.
Fajardo said only one round was fired by the patrolman, initially hitting Accad, but the bullet went through Accad’s body and later hit Santiago on his chest, affecting his lungs and aorta.
Fajardo said the policeman admitted having accidentally fired his firearm during the clearing operation. She said the policeman was among those who brought Santiago and Accad to the hospital.
“Right there and then, he came forward and admitted hitting (the policemen) with his firearm,” said Fajardo, adding the policeman has also surrendered his weapon.
