Policies and guidelines

I laud Police Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, chief of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), for his statement that a shootout did not occur wherein another child was hit and killed. Gian Habal, aged six, died of a gunshot wound to the forehead.

The hospital where he was taken could no longer do anything for him. According to Police Corporal Rocky delos Reyes, he engaged a suspect involved in illegal drugs in a shootout. However, witnesses claim otherwise, saying a shootout did not occur. Delos Reyes even shot the foot of Gian's grandmother, when the latter tried to prevent him from fleeing the scene. Is it no longer safe for kids to play outside if there are policemen like Delos Reyes?

It was discovered that this same policeman is already facing several cases, such as indiscriminate firing and being intoxicated while on duty. He indiscriminately fired his service firearm last December, causing its confiscation.

The gun used in the shooting incident was his personal firearm, but because of the ongoing election gun ban, he still committed a violation. I really do not understand why a policeman already facing several cases is still allowed to go on duty and even carry a personal firearm.

Records should have been checked if he owned a personal firearm, and in this case, its license should have been revoked. It has also been confirmed through ballistics that the bullet that killed Gian came from the gun of Delos Reyes.

Eleazar promised that the days of Delos Reyes as a policeman are numbered, and he will face criminal and administrative charges. I cannot help but think that if there were no witnesses to the incident, this would have been declared collateral damage in the presumption of regularity of Delos Reyes’ doing his duty.

Eleazar reminded all policemen to adhere to the correct guidelines and policies of the PNP. It is not recommended to fire warning shots, even in the event of pursuing a suspect. The so-called warning shot is culturally ingrained, seen in many local movies, television, and even advertisements. Policemen need to be aware of their surroundings, especially when pursuing a suspect. But you be the judge if these policies and guidelines are followed in everyday situations. If there are policemen like Delos Reyes, we can expect bullets to be flying all over the place.

This is why bodycams are important in our setting. The resistance of the PNP in its use speaks volumes. I remember one policeman trying to explain why they had to point CCTV cameras away from a supposed operation.

Why would he do that if there is a presumption of regularity? Why would he do that if an operation is following PNP policies and guidelines? I would even think CCTV camera footage would offer protection, should a suspect truly engage them in a firefight. But to this day, bodycams are still non-existent as standard police equipment. In all likelihood, they never will be.