1-9-2023 (MANILA) The police chief of Rodriguez, Rizal, has been relieved from his position in the wake of the tragic killing of 15-year-old John Frances Ompad on August 20, confirmed the Rizal provincial police on Friday, September 1.
According to Rizal police spokesperson Captain Mariesol Tactaquin, the decision to relieve Police Lieutenant Colonel Ruben Piquero was made to ensure an impartial investigation into the teenager’s death. Police Lieutenant Colonel Arnulfo Silencio has been appointed as the acting Rodriguez police chief.
The Philippine National Police Internal Affairs Service, responsible for investigating police misconduct, has instructed the Rizal police Internal Affairs Service to look into the incident. As of August 27, the investigation was still in the pre-charge phase.
In an interview with Rappler, Dianne, the victim’s older sister, revealed that they were only informed of the arrests of Police Corporal Arnulfo Sabillo and civilian Jeffrey Baguio on August 21, despite receiving information that the arrests occurred on August 20. Dianne also mentioned that the police only provided them with documents related to her brother’s killing on August 26, almost a week after John Frances’ tragic death.
Sabillo and Baguio are currently in police custody and face charges of homicide and attempted homicide. The police officer will also face administrative charges.
This incident marks the second killing of a teenager by the police in August alone. On August 2, Navotas police officers killed 17-year-old Jerhode Jemboy Baltazar while he and his friend were cleaning their fishing boat. Jemboy’s killing has prompted multiple Senate hearings, during which lawmakers and the teenager’s loved ones have shed further light on the circumstances surrounding his death.
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