(March 11, 2021) – The police officer caught on video placing a gun beside a dead suspect in Valencia, Bukidnon has passed away as well following a car accident, the Philippine National Police said on Wednesday.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana reported the death of Cpl. Benzon Gonzales but assured the incident will still be investigated despite the crucial development.
“It is unfortunate (na) namatay na rin pala ’yung pulis due to an accident,” said Usana. “(But) the PNP will never condone the individual act of that policeman. His team leader might be required to explain this case.”
Usana said Gonzales suffered a car accident last February 25 and died three days later due to head injuries.
Last February 20, Gonzales and other police officers conducted a buy-bust operation in Brgy. Batangas. Gonzales was caught on video casually firing a gun thrice and then carefully placed it next to the slain drug suspect, Pol Estañol.
The PNP Regional Office 10 (PRO-10), however, claimed Estañol was killed after fighting with the police officers. PNP PRO-10 spokesperson Capt. Francisco Sabud also defended Gonzales, saying he only fired the gun out of frustration.
Sabud said they are determining the authenticity of the video, assuring illicit acts will not be tolerated.
PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas also said they will look into the controversial incident, although he didn’t add further details.
“We will investigate that one. I will talk to the Public Information Office to investigate the matter,” said Sinas in a press briefing on Wednesday.
Department of Justice secretary Menardo Guevarra, meanwhile, said the viral video could help in determining errors of the PNP, adding the case will be included in the investigation of drug operations.
“The video would be a very useful and relevant piece of evidence in determining where liability lies. So, let’s wait and see how the PNP authorities would deal with this situation. The (DOJ) panel will certainly give special attention to this particular incident in Valencia City,” said Guevarra.
Guevarra reported to the United Nations Human Rights Council last month that weapons of killed suspects in PNP operations were not fully examined, making it convenient for police officers to push the “nanlaban” narrative.
(Kiko Demigillo/PM)
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