A motu proprio investigation is being conducted by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in Region XI following the death of a 19-year old male student, Amier Mangcop, after allegedly receiving seven gun shots fired by suspect Marvin Rey Pepino, a doctor and non-uniformed personnel of the Philippine Regional Office (PRO) in Davao, during a scuffle at a bar in Davao City.

According to the Davao Police Station, an altercation ensued between the group of the physician and the student on 2 July 2022 at a bar at the corner of V. Mapa and J. Camus Extension Streets. The student allegedly attacked the physician, which prompted the physician to draw his gun and shoot in self-defense.

The family of student Mangacop, however, belie the physician’s account of the incident. The family of the student said that a cousin of Mangacop called and requested to be fetched at the said bar. The student and his companions arrived in the middle of a scuffle. They were neither drunk nor high, the family claims.

We recognise 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.

CHR’s independent 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.

As our independent investigation moves, we shall hold on to the commitment of PRO Davao for “a thorough, fair, and unbiased investigation,” coupled with an assurance that appropriate criminal charges will be pursued. We expect this commitment to be matched with fast action, including necessary cooperation with CHR’s investigation, to ensure justice and accountability for assault against human life. ###