The Southern Police District (SPD), headed by Brig. Gen. Roderick Mariano, said there is no need to relieve the policemen who were involved in the shooting incident inside the Taguig police headquarters that left one dead and two others wounded.
The shooting happened on Aug. 7 in the Office of Community Affairs Section of the Taguig police located in the Taguig City hall compound in Barangay Tuktukan.
A wounded police officer in Taguig is being put in a vehicle on Aug. 7 (Screenshots from video of Jerico Viray on Facebook)
SPD chief Brig. Gen. Roderick Mariano at the wake of Police Executive Master Sergeant Heriberto Saguiped who was shot and killed on Aug. 7 (SPD)
Police Executive Master Sergeant Heriberto Saguiped (Taguig City Police Station on Facebook)
Police Chief Master Sergeant Alraquib Aguel arrived in the office and entered into a heated argument with Police Executive Master Sergeant Heriberto Saguiped that resulted in the shooting.
Aguel shot dead Saguiped and wounded Corporal Louie Alison Sindac. Corporal Jestonie Señoron shot Aguel to neutralize him, fearing that he and his colleagues would be his next target. Sindac and Aguel are in the hospital for treatment.
Mariano went to the wake of Saguiped in Barangay Sta. Ana, Taguig on Aug. 9.
The SPD said, “First and foremost, we want to assure the public that this incident is being treated as an isolated case.”
“As of now, we believe there is no need to relieve the involved police officers from their duties. However, we assure the family and the public of a thorough, impartial, and swift investigation to ensure that all aspects of the incident are comprehensively addressed,” it added.
According to the SPD, “Our utmost priority is to ensure a fair and transparent investigation that will uncover the truth and establish accountability.”
“During the in-depth investigation, we are grateful for the cooperation of the witnesses despite the shocking nature of the incident. It is worth noting that the morale of our police force remains high, and their commitment to their duties as public servants remains unwavering,” the district said.
The SPD thanked “PCpl Señoron for his quick thinking and courageous actions during the incident. His active presence of mind and timely response helped neutralize the suspect and protect his colleagues, including the two female personnel present in the office.”
“Thus, this unfortunate incident calls our attention to recognize the importance of strengthening our daily programs on personal discipline, such as the PNP's stress management initiatives. These efforts are crucial in maintaining a high standard of professionalism among our police force. We wish to remind all our police officers to remain calm and control their emotions and to conduct themselves in a manner befitting their position as law enforcers,” it said.
The SPD assured “the public that we are taking all necessary steps to ensure accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future. The safety and security of the community remain our top priority. We also humbly ask the public to allow the investigation run its course and to not believe unverified reports about the incident.”