CAMP OLIVAS – Philippine National Police chief General Dionardo Carlos ordered the Central Luzon police authorities to conduct a probe into the shooting incident involving a police officer that resulted in the death of a 19-year–old teenager in Pampanga last November 20.
PRO3 director Brig. Gen. Matthew Baccay was ordered to initiate a thorough administrative and criminal investigation against PCpl Alvin Pastorin, 33, an intelligence officer of the Pampanga police.
A homicide case was filed against Pastorin, who is now detained at the Bacolor Municipal Police Station.
Carlos expressed sympathy to the family of the victim identified as Abelardo Vasquez, 19.
“I would like to express my sincerest condolences to the bereaved family of Mr. Vasquez and assure them that justice will be served following the due process of the law,” Carlos said.
Initial investigation from the Bacolor police revealed that the suspect went to a store where he confronted the victim with his companions who were not wearing face masks.
Pastorin reprimanded the teenagers and asked them to return home, but this only resulted in an altercation between the police personnel and the victim’s group.
Based on a witness statement, the victim Vasquez called his relatives for backup, who were having a drinking session at home. The witness added that when Pastorin decided to go back to his vehicle, he was pelted with rocks and stones by the group.
The witness said Pastorin was attacked and pinned down after he fell to the ground. Pastorin reportedly took his firearm and shot Vasquez who was putting some weight on him.
The victim was immediately rushed to the hospital but was later declared dead-on-arrival by doctors.
In relation to this, the PNP is asking the public to religiously adhere to the health protocols to avoid being cited for violation of public health guidelines.
