Napolcom takes over probe on mistaken identity shooting

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) has taken over the investigation on the administrative cases filed against 10 police officers implicated in the mistaken identity shooting in Mandaluyong City.

Inspector General Alfegar Triambulo, who heads the Philippine National Police- Internal Affairs Service (IAS), said the PNP turned over the probe to the Napolcom on the request of the complainants.

The complainants are relatives of Jonalyn Amba-an and Jomar Hayawon, who were killed after police and barangay watchmen opened fire at the victims’ vehicle.

Triambulo said the families of the victims were apprehensive about the IAS handling the probe.

“Since we are part of the PNP, they are afraid there would be a whitewash in the investigation,” Triambulo said in a phone interview.

To remove doubts, Triambulo said they granted the request of the complainants to transfer the probe to the Napolcom.

The IAS earlier recommended the conduct of a pre-charge investigation against Senior Inspector Maria Cristina Vasquez; Police Officer 2 Lawemuel Songalia; and Police Officers 1 Ariel Uribe, Jave Arellano, Tito Danao, Mark Castillo, Julius Libuen, Bryan Nicholas, Albert Buwag and Kim Rufford Tibunsay.

Triambulo said the probe could have led to the imposition of administrative sanctions against the police officers.

He said the PNP is mandated to serve and protect the public.

“That is protection of life and property. They were not able to comply because there were deaths,” Triambulo said. –