Headlines

Philippines seeks probe on US cops' killing of Pinay

Louis Bacani - The Philippine Star

May 31, 2013 | 2:47pm

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Embassy in the United States is now asking for a through investigation on the fatal shooting of a Filipino-American who allegedly caused a disturbance in a warehouse store in Virginia.

The Embassy said policemen may have used "disproportionate force" when they shot dead on Thursday (Manila time) Mhai de Leon Scott, 38, who was reportedly from Bulacan province.

Policemen responded to a report of a disorderly subject, who was allegedly Scott, at the Costco Wholesale Store in Sterling, Virginia.

"Police say Scott told to drop knife and scissors she was allegedly threatening employees at the store with but refused," the Embassy said in its Twitter account.

It added that police claimed Scott advanced on two officers. Shots were fired when attempts to control the Fil-Am using a taser failed, killing her.

A Washington Post report said Scott worked for Club Demonstration Services, which provides services to Costco.

The report said Scott, who was involved in food preparation, became "agitated and began to act erratically as her shift was ending."

"Scott, who had been serving pizza, began saying 'crazy things' and seemed concerned about the number of servings in a pizza box," it said.

In a statement, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Cuisa, Jr. has requested for thorough, impartial and expeditious investigation since the responding policemen may have used "disproportionate force."

"We share the concerns expressed by Ms. Scott's family in the Philippines and the members of the Filipino-American Community that law enforcement officials may have responded with disproportionate force," said Cuisa.

In a television report, Scott's mother, Nadina De Leon described the death of her daughter as brutal.

"Hindi naman nanakit (Scott). Hindi naman nakamatay. Bakit ganun ang ginawa nila?" she asked.

The report quoted De Leon as saying that Scott is depressed because of family problems.

Scott had been divorced from her American husband for two years now and was fighting over the custody of their two children

The Philippine Embassy have extended condolences to Scott's family and assured to provide assistance to them.

"We will continue to coordinate with police authorities in Loudoun County to secure more information on this case," Cuisa said.