The Philippine National Police-Internal Affairs Service has recommended the dismissal of a cop in connection with the death of 15-year-old John Francis Ompad, in Rodriguez, Rizal last month.

IAS Inspector General Alfegar Triambulo said they have submitted to the Police Regional Office 4A (Calabarzon) the recommendation for dismissal from the service of Police Corporal Arnulfo Sabillo of the PNP Rodriguez, Rizal last 15 September.

Triambulo said investigation revealed that Sabillo was guilty of the administrative case of two counts of grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

"A shooting incident in Rodriguez, Rizal on August 20, 2023, which resulted in the death of John Francis Ompad, a minor and brother of the individual with whom the police officer had an altercation, prompting the shooting. IAS started its investigation on August 25, 2023, and forwarded its recommendation to the disciplinary authority last September 15, 2023, endorsing the dismissal of the police officer," Triambulo said in a statement on Friday.

In light of recent sensational cases, the IAS Chief assured the public and its stakeholders, especially the grieving families and the aggrieved victims, that the service shall maintain its impartiality in swiftly resolving its administrative cases.

Sabillo of the PNP Rodriguez, Rizal and his alleged accomplice, Jeffrey Baguio, were tagged as prime suspects in the killing of John Francis Ompad on 20 August.

John Francis was hit coming out of their house after Sabillo tried to shoot John Ace, the victim's brother, who was being chased by the policeman for allegedly refusing to show his documents and driving away at an 8 "Oplan Sita" checkpoint.

PNP assurance

Earlier, PNP chief Gen.  Benjamin Acorda Jr. assured the public, particularly the family of the Ompads, that they would get justice.

"We are committed to ensuring that the bereaved family finds justice for their deceased loved one. Such actions are deeply regrettable and do not represent the values of the Philippine National Police. We will ensure a thorough and impartial investigation and appropriate action will be taken against those found responsible," Acorda said.

Sabillo, 37, and Baguio, 27, have been charged with homicide and attempted homicide following their arrest the day after the shooting.

All agents of the Community Police Assistance Center 5, where Sabillo is assigned, have also been relieved from their posts to pave the way for an impartial investigation.

According to the report, John Ace was riding a motorcycle and on his way home when he was stopped by Sabillo, who was in civilian clothes, and the other suspect.

Scared that the suspects were criminals, the victim refused to stop, threw his helmet at the suspects and continued heading to his house.

In response, one of the suspects fired at John Ace's direction, hitting John Francis in the abdomen after the latter emerged from their house.

The 15-year-old John Francis was declared dead while undergoing treatment at East Avenue Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City.

Acorda said the PNP remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice prevails in all circumstances.