CHR probes shooting death of student in Davao City

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is investigating the death of a student who was shot several times by a non-uniformed personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) during a scuffle at a bar in Davao City.

Citing information from the Davao City Police Station, the CHR reported that an altercation occurred between Amier Mangacop, 19, and the group of Marvin Rey Pepino, a doctor and non-uniformed personnel of the PNP Regional Office, on July 2 at a bar at the corner of V. Mapa and J. Camus Extension Streets.

According to Pepino, Mangacop allegedly attacked him, prompting him to draw his gun and shoot in self-defense.

The CHR said Mangacop's family belied Pepino's claims, saying a cousin of Mangacop called and requested to be fetched at the bar.

The student's family said Mangacop and his companions, who "were neither drunk nor high," arrived in the middle of a scuffle involving other people. 

"We recognize the ongoing investigation being conducted by the San Pedro Police and the Philippine National Police Davao Region. Similarly, we note the request of the family of Mangacop for the National Bureau of Investigation to handle the case instead for fear of alleged 'suppression and whitewash' by the local and regional police," the CHR said in a statement.

The CHR said its investigation "seeks to help establish the truth amid competing narratives from both sides."

"One point of inquiry is as to why a non-uniformed personnel is carrying a firearm outside the residence, particularly while drinking in a bar. The goal is to be able to hold the perpetrator to account, achieve justice for the death of the male student, and possibly trigger a review of the guidelines on firearm use and regulation in the country," it said.

When asked by GMA News Online for an incident report, Police Regional Office 11 public information officer Police Major Eudisan Gultiano responded that she was no longer permitted to do so because the San Pedro Police Station had already turned over all necessary documents and pieces of evidence to the Office of the Prosecutor.

A complaint for murder and a violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act has already been filed against the suspect, who is in the custody of the San Pedro police. —VBL, GMA News