ZAMBOANGA CITY – Police are investigating the death of a suspected drug pusher who was allegedly shot and killed by a police officer here on Wednesday, June 4.
A SUSPECTED drug pusher was shot dead by a police officer in Zamboanga City on June 4.
The fatality was identified as Michael Hipolito Felix, a 39-year-old resident of Sitio Siguinan, Barangay Bunguiao, this city.
Felix was the subject of a warrant of arrest for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 or Republic Act 9165.
The officer involved in the incident was Police Staff Sgt. Roland Fernandez from the Zamboanga City Police Office-Station (Divisoria).
Initial investigation showed that Fernandez, aware of Felix’s standing warrant, spotted the suspect driving his motorcycle without a license plate towards Bunguiao proper.
Fernandez tried to engage Felix but the suspect allegedly drew an icepick and attempted to stab the police officer.
The policeman drew his service firearm and shot and killed Felix.
Fernandez voluntarily surrendered to Zamboanga City Police Station 3 where he turned over his service firearm to the supply officer for further investigation.
Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation of the incident.
The case will be evaluated to determine the appropriateness of the use of force by the police officer in line with concerns raised about police engagement protocols and the handling of wanted individuals.