Cop shoots teen in illegal drag race

MANILA, Philippines - A 17-year-old boy was shot in the neck by a Manila policeman who helped break up an illegal motorcycle drag race at the Quirino Grandstand before dawn yesterday. 

The boy, identified only as Alex, is confined at the Ospital ng Maynila, where he was abandoned by the policeman, who did not identify himself to the boy’s older brother, who was with him during the incident.

Sources said the policeman’s failure to properly identify himself, especially during an operation, is a breach of police protocol.

“He never introduced himself and left my brother at the hospital, dumping him like an animal,” Alex’s older brother told The STAR.

In a statement given to Senior Police Officer 1 James Pozo, Alex’s brother said they joined the drag race, held annually at the grandstand, when police officers from the Manila Police District’s Station 5 told them to leave at around 2:30 a.m.

Alex, however, refused to pull over, prompting the policeman to kick his leg. “The policeman pointed his gun at my brother and told him that if he did not stop, he would shoot,” Alex’s brother said.

Despite the threat, Alex still did not stop. A gunshot rang out and Alex fell off his motorcycle, blood dripping from his neck.

Alex’s brother said he called the policeman’s attention and convinced him to bring Alex to the hospital. He said the policeman told him not to follow them.

“I followed him as he put my brother on his motorcycle because I did not know where he would bring my brother,” he said.

Alex’s brother said when he reached the hospital, Alex was alone and the policeman left without making a proper report.