MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City Police District said yesterday it would conduct its own investigation into the death of a QCPD operative who was allegedly killed by agents of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in Manila on Friday.
Medina said they would look into reports that Executive M/Sgt. Celedonio Caunceran Jr., 42, was allegedly involved in grenade-hurling and shooting incidents that targeted BOC employees.
“QCPD investigators would look into the circumstances of what really happened in the office of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CISS),” Medina said.
Caunceran, who was assigned at the QCPD headquarters support unit, died of gunshots to the forehead and chest.
According to the BOC, Caunceran allegedly tried to grab the firearm of CISS agent Jovan Lugtu, prompting other Customs operatives to wrestle for the gun.
CIIS agent Elizer Mangili reportedly fired at Caunceran, who was pronounced dead on arrival at the Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center, with handcuffs still attached to his wrists.
Lugtu and Mangili are being held by the Manila Police District (MPD).
Caunceran was arrested for questioning in the CIIS office in Port Area, Manila after he was seen armed and roaming around the BOC office on Friday afternoon.
He was tagged in grenade-throwing and shooting incidents that left BOC employees wounded, according to the CIIS.
“If the allegations against him were true, it’s unfortunate that this happened. I do not condone his acts and other QCPD personnel who may be involved in irregularities. We have due process to follow to prove the truth and this is what we should do,” Medina said in a statement.
Members of the MPD forensics unit said they recovered from Caunceran a 9 mm pistol, a .45-caliber handgun and assorted ammunition.