6 Navotas cops charged for teen’s slay

MANILA, Philippines — Six police officers from the Navotas City police substation 4 have been detained and charged for allegedly killing a 17-year-old boy by mistake during an operation.

City police chief Col. Allan Umipig said in a radio interview yesterday that the six underwent inquest proceedings for homicide before the Navotas prosecutor’s office.

The team leaders in charge of the operation were transferred to the Northern Police District headquarters and will face administrative charges for command responsibility.

The six police officers responded to a shooting reported in Barangay NBBS Kaunlaran at around 2:45 p.m. on Aug. 2.

Umipig said one suspect in the shooting was caught but another escaped.

Based on a tip, the second suspect was reported to be hiding in a boat along with the teenager, identified only as “Jemboy.”

The teenager “suddenly leaped into the water” while the suspect did not move, Umipig said.

One of the police officers fired into the water, in the belief these would be warning shots, according to Umipig.

The teenager sustained an undetermined number of gunshot wounds, he said.

“The act of firing the shot exhibited lapses in proper judgment,” Umipig said in Filipino.

He added that the six police officers surrendered their firearms the day after the incident.