CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The family of an 18-year-old male student who was accidentally fired at by a police officer in Purok 6, Barangay Halapitan, San Fernando, Bukidnon on Friday, March 31, is seeking justice, claiming there was foul play in the death of the victim.
In her Facebook post, Xyra Cassandra Ambong Linaza, sister of the victim identified as Zyro Zandro Linaza of Purok 4, Barangay Palacpacan in the same town, said her family didn’t believe that it was a pure accident, claiming that the suspect was under the influence of alcohol.
"We're asking for your help to please help us seek justice for our brother, Zyro. I am also requesting sa mga naka-witness during sa natabo (to those who witnessed the incident)," Xyra said in her post reposted by the RMN Malaybalay Facebook page.
The Bukidnon Police Provincial Office (BPPO) identified the suspect as Master Sgt. Faith Lauron Panduma, who is currently assigned at the San Fernando Municipal Police Station and has already surrendered to the authorities.
Based on the initial investigation, Francis Xavier Bulaybulay, 19, the incident witness, told police that while having a conversation with the involved individuals, he saw the suspect play his Glock caliber 9mm, where the policeman cocked and removed the magazine in front of the victim and accidentally fired the pistol.
Linaza was hit in his right chest and perforated at the right portion of his back. The victim was rushed to San Fernando Provincial Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
San Fernando police chief Major Jose Regner Sevilleno said the victim was temporarily residing at the quarters of the police operatives, where the incident took place, 20 meters away from the San Fernando police station, in order to have free food and accommodation, and sometimes in his school allowance.
Sevilleno assured the family that they are conducting thorough investigation with Bukidnon Provincial Internal Affairs Service (PIAS) spearheading it, to provide justice to the victim.
“We waited to see what the result of the investigation would be based on the revelations from the witnesses, and that’s when we filed the case," Sevilleno told Manila Bulletin in a phone interview on Friday, adding that the family had also been urged to file a complaint.
Major Jiselle Longakit, Bukidnon police spokesperson, said the involved police officer may face an administrative or criminal case, but it was too early to determine if the suspect would be dismissed from the service.
"It all depends on the result of the investigation, as well as the decision on the cases he may face," Longakit explained.