Minor falsely identified as murder suspect mauled in Navotas

A minor was mauled by residents after being falsely identified as the suspect in the killing of a 16-year-old in Barangay Tangos North, Navotas.

According to a "24 Oras" report by Jun Veneracion, the CCTV footage of the incident showed a parked police mobile near the barangay hall to transport the suspect. Outside, relatives and friends of the 16-year-old were angrily waiting.

The mauling victim, Allen John Caneso, who was near the barangay hall that time, said he was surprised when someone suddenly threw a punch and shouted that he was the suspect, resulting in chaos in the area.

“Nagmamakaawa ako sa kanila, sabi ko tama na. Tuloy-tuloy pa rin sila,” he said.

“Wala naman akong kasalanan. Bakit ginawa nila sa akin ito?” he added.

The police personnel who tried to stop the melee and help Caneso also sustained bruises in the incident.

“Inisip naming na makuha na lang [yung biktima] kasi kawawa talaga. Grabe na yung tama ng tao, mahirap na kunin. Eh baril pa namin. ‘Yun pa yung una, kasi baka maagaw,” said Police Officer Christian Jano.

“Pinairal po naming ang maximum tolerance namin na wala kaming masasaktan. Ang intensyon lang namin, mailabas yung suspek sa barangay at maidala ang headquarters,” added Police Officer KC Fajardo.

The real murder suspect, who was also minor, was eventually transported with the assistance of a SWAT Team and additional police units.

According to the police, the suspect stabbed his 16-year-old victim through the heart due of a rivalry between their groups.

The murder suspect has been turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, while the Navotas Police is working to identify the suspects who started the mobbing incident.

“We will file necessary cases kung may lead tayo at makuha pang additional footage sa area,” said Navotas Police Station officer-in-charge Police Colonel Mario Cortes. —Jiselle Anne Casucian/LDF, GMA Integrated News