NAPOLCOM investigates Bulacan cops after fracturing minor's arm with rifle

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The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) on Friday launched an investigation into some police officers in Baliwag, Bulacan, over the alleged assault of a 17-year-old boy.

NAPOLCOM said the teenager sustained a fractured arm after being struck with a rifle at an allegedly unmarked checkpoint.

The boy's father, Rey Eladio Reyes, filed an administrative complaint before NAPOLCOM on Friday.

“Assuming na kailangan natin siyang pigilan dahil tumakas siya sa checkpoint, was the force used reasonable? Was it justified to strike a minor with a firearm just to make him stop?” NAPOLCOM Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan said at a press conference.

(Assuming that we need to stop him because he fled the checkpoint, was the force used reasonable? Was it justified to strike a minor with a firearm just to make him stop?)

“I don't think so. Dito tututok ang imbestigasyon na ito at siguradong mananagot ang dapat managot,” he added.

(I don't think so. This is what this investigation will focus on and those who are responsible will definitely be held accountable.)

Reyes also called out the police officers’ failure to ensure that his son received proper medical attention after sustaining the injury.

“Malinaw naman ang pasa sa kamay ng bata. Even at first glance, that was not an ordinary bruise. That should have prompted an immediate medical examination and medico-legal documentation,” Calinisan said.

(The bruise on the child's arm is clear. Even at first glance, that was not an ordinary bruise. That should have prompted an immediate medical examination and medico-legal documentation.)

According to Reyes, his son on October 31 was driving a motorcycle with a companion along Bypass Road in Baliwag-Pulilan when they passed two police officers standing along the road.

Another motorcycle ahead of his son had passed without being stopped, the complainant said. His son also continued driving but was allegedly struck by one of the officers with a long firearm, he added.

Fearing for their safety, the two fled but were eventually intercepted by police officers in an alley and brought to the police station, where their motorcycle was issued a ticket for impoundment.

Reyes said a policewoman initially examined his son at the station but reportedly dismissed the injury as a mere bruise.

He later brought his son to a hospital, where an X-ray taken at around 11 p.m. confirmed a fracture in his arm.

The minor was subsequently transferred to another medical facility because the initial hospital had no orthopedic specialist.

“Mabigat po sa mabigat. Naalala ko kasi yung sakit na nararamdaman ng anak ko every day na papaliguan ko siya, every day na bibihisan ko siya. Mabigat bilang magulang na makita yung anak mo na nahihirapan,” Reyes said.

(It's very difficult. I remember the pain my child felt every day I bathed him, every day I dressed him. It's difficult as a parent to see your child suffering.)

Calinisan said the probe would also determine whether the alleged checkpoint complied with established requirements, including proper signage, supervision by a police officer, and placement in a well-lit and visible area.

Possible administrative charges against the officers include Neglect of Duty and Conduct Unbecoming of a Police Officer. Personnel who handled the incident may face administrative liability for negligence.

Also, their superiors may be held accountable under the principle of command responsibility, according to the Commission.

NAPOLCOM is still verifying the identities of the officers involved. Calinisan declined to disclose any names pending official confirmation. —LDF, GMA News