The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), through CHR Region III, is launching a motu proprio investigation into the death of a construction worker after being shot by a police officer in Sta. Rita, Pampanga on Saturday evening, 2 January 2021.

The victim, Federico ‘Tek’ Pineda, 29, was said to have been mistaken as a suspect in a robbery-holdup case by police Cpl. Eframe Ramirez.

Pending the results of our own investigation, we urge the police force to be more discerning on the use of force and firearms during police operations. As detailed in their own Philippine National Police 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.

Every police officer is then reminded of their duty to serve the public and protect life and property. Death should not be the first option. For in the end, the goal of law enforcement should be to protect human rights and dignity and never to violate them. ###