MANILA, Philippines — A police officer has been charged with homicide for the death of a 19-year-old man, whom he caught not wearing a face mask in Bacolor, Pampanga, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Wednesday night.
The charges against Cpl. Alvin Pastorin, 33, intelligence officer of the Pampanga police, was filed before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor.
PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos condoled with the family of the victim, identified as Abelardo Vasquez, and ordered the Central Luzon police to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident that occurred in Barangay Vicente on Nov. 20.
Initial investigation showed that Pastorin reprimanded Vasquez and his companions for not wearing face masks.
Quoting witnesses, probers said a spat ensued between Pastorin and the group of Vasquez, who sought the help of his relatives.
Vasquez and his relatives reportedly hurled stones at Pastorin as the officer was walking toward his vehicle.
Pastorin reportedly drew his gun and shot Vasquez.