Relieved Caloocan cop encourages witnesses to file affidavits

ACaloocan City police officer who was relieved for allegedly shooting a man violating a local ordinance regarding wearing a shirt in public places has encouraged the witnesses to file affidavits for the immediate resolution of the case.

Chief Inspector Narciso Cajipe Jr. was relieved as PCP-6 commander soon after the alleged shooting of the shirtless man.

In an interview, Cajipe said the witnesses who allegedly heard 32-year-old Mario Balagtas pleading for his life before being shot, should file official statements with the city police.

Cajipe explained that he just defended himself since Balagtas engaged the authorities in a firefight.

Senior Supt. Jemar Modequillo, Caloocan police chief, confirmed that National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) regional director Oscar Albayalde ordered the administrative relief of Cajipe and six other policemen.

The six were Senior Inspector Jun Jun Silvertino, Police Officers 1 Jason Rafael Del Mundo, Gilbert Telan, Eleazae Tungcul, Christopher Leaño, and Genesis Cataluna.

Modequillo said the relief order was made to ensure an impartial probe by the city police.

Balagtas, of Pichayan Street, Barangay 178, Camarin, Caloocan, was shot dead while police were conducting an “Oplan Galugad” last Friday. The victim, who was not wearing a shirt, a violation of city ordinance, ran inside his house after he saw the approaching cops.

Cajipe said Balagtas fired at the pursuing policemen, making them return the shots. Balagtas was hit in the chest twice.

However, neighbors of Balagtas told reporters that they heard Balagtas begging for his life: “Hindi po ako lalaban. Tama na po. Maawa na po kayo (I won’t fight back. Please stop. Have mercy),” they quoted Balagtas as saying.

Cajipe said that an asset claimed Balagtas was a leader of a robbery hold-up group operating in North Caloocan.