The Commission on Human Rights is launching a motu proprio investigation into the death of a special needs teenager, who was said to have been shot by a police officer involved in a raid on an illegal cockpit in Valenzuela City on Sunday, May 23. The victim, aged 18, was identified as Edwin Armigo, a person diagnosed with autism.

At this point, discovering the truth in the incident should be a priority. Contradicting narratives presented by the police, eye-witness accounts, and statement of the kin of the victim offer different stories on how the police ended up shooting the kid.

The Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials, as adopted by the UN Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders, remind that: ‘Law enforcement officials, in carrying out their duty, shall, as far as possible, apply non-violent means before resorting to the use of force and firearms.’ Similarly, as detailed in their own Philippine National Police (PNP) revised operational procedures, the use of excessive force is categorically prohibited. And should it be necessary, warning must be first issued and the force to be employed should only be to neutralise resistance and subdue clear and imminent danger.

We welcome the action of PNP Chief Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar to immediately place in restrictive custody the officers involved to ensure the integrity of investigation, as well as the commitment from Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian to get to the bottom of the incident.

Pending the results of our investigation, we urge the police force to be more discerning on the use of force during police operations. Every police officer is reminded in their duty to serve and protect life. Use of heavy-handed tactics which are unwarranted and prohibited under PNP operational procedures must be dealt with accordingly. ###