By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan | Philippine News Agency
A “friendly fire” killed PSSg. Nelson Santiago during a recent anti-kidnapping operation in Pampanga, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced Monday.
In a press briefing in Camp Crame, Quezon City, PNP spokesperson PCOL. Jean Fajardo said this is based on the results of the ballistics examination on the slugs recovered from the body of Santiago.
“Lumalabas po sa autopsy report na kinonduct ng Forensic Group na ang kaniyang (Santiago) naging cause of death ay sa chest particularly left side ng kaniyang katawan at naapektuhan ang kaniyang lungs at aorta niya kaya naging fatal ang tama niya,” she said.
Fajardo said the forensic investigation also confirmed that the bullet from a Galil 5.56mm assault rifle used by a rookie police officer hit first PCMS Eden Accad’s torso before hitting Santiago.
“There were three of them who entered a dark area during the operation. A member of the entering team saw a gun pointed at them and incidentally, he pulled the trigger and the wounded police officer (Accad) was the first one who was hit,” she added.
The August 3 operation in Angeles City resulted in the rescue of two victims and the arrest of two suspects. Accad survived while Santiago was pronounced dead on arrival at the Angeles University Foundation Medical Center.
Fajardo said Accad and Santiago were severely injured as they were not wearing bulletproof vests during the operation.
She said the police officer who accidentally shot Accad and Santiago, admitted his mistake and immediately surrendered the firearm.
“Na inquest na ito at sinampahan na siya ng kasong reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and serious physical injury at kasalukuyang siyang nakakulong sa AKG (Anti-Kidnappping Group),” Fajardo added.
Fajardo said that the PNP Chief, PGEN. Rommel Francisco Marbil, has also ordered a review of the police operational procedures following the incident.
She added nine police personnel involved in the operation have been relieved from their posts pending investigation on possible operation lapses.
For his part, PNP Internal Affairs Service (IAS) Inspector General Brigido Dulay said they have launched an administrative investigation into the incident.
“The number one rule here is to determine whether there was negligence on the part of the police, or if there was misconduct. This is because the PNP’s operations are covered by rules of engagement. The IAS is looking into the situation when the operation took place,” Dulay said in a separate interview.
Dulay said a pre-charge initial investigation of the case will take 20 days.
“After that, there will be a formal charge and hearings will commence,” he added.
The IAS chief, meanwhile, assured that those who are found liable will face proper penalties.
He said grave misconduct is punishable by dismissal from the service.
