MANILA — Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Oscar Albayalde said authorities are considering a review of the screening process for would-be policemen, including their psychological fitness, to do police work.
This, following an incident involving Police Officer 1 Edgardo Villamil Jr., 24, who shot and killed a man and wounded another in Marikina City this week during a traffic altercation.
“Again, tinitingnan din natin kung bakit itong mga PO1 na naman na kabago-bago na pulis ay na-involve na naman sa shooting. Supposed to be, ito yung mga kagagaling lang mag-training, mag-neuro, so tinitingnan natin ito. Baka meron na naman tayong pagkukulang or meron nakalusot sa atin sa medical examination or specifically sa neuro examination natin (We are looking why these new policemen are doing these, considering that they just finished training and their neuro exam. We are looking if there is something amiss in our screening process),” Albayalde said.
The PNP chief reiterated his reminder for public servants to keep a level head at all times.
“Ito yung sinasabi natin when you are in the public service. Kailangan medyo mahaba-haba or malawak ang iyong pasensya (This is what I always said for those in public service to keep their cool),” he said.
Earlier last month, three sibling policemen were relieved after they attacked a neighbor, also over a traffic altercation.
In the latest case, Villamil, resident of Barangay Marikina Heights, Marikina City, was relieved from his post at Police Community Precinct 5 of the Pasig City Police after he reportedly shot dead Esteban Bunga Jr., 35, and wounded Arnold Eayam, 24, both residents of Marikina Heights.
The victims were on board a vehicle when Villamil accidentally hit the side mirror of the vehicle. After a heated exchange of words, Villamil went home and returned armed with a firearm and shot the two men. (Benjamin Pulta/PNA)
