NAPOLCOM probes rifle attack on teen

A 17-year-old boy left a police checkpoint in Baliwag, Bulacan, believing he had only a bruise. Hours later, an X-ray showed his arm was fractured.

His father is now seeking accountability before the National Police Commission (Napolcom), alleging that the boy was struck with a rifle by a police officer at an unmarked checkpoint on 31 October — and that officers failed to ensure he received immediate medical attention.

The father filed an administrative complaint before Napolcom on Friday.

At the checkpoint

According to the father, his son was driving a motorcycle with a companion along Bypass Road in Baliwag-Pulilan when they passed two police officers standing along the road.

Another motorcycle ahead of them passed without being stopped. His son continued driving.

One of the officers allegedly struck the boy with a long firearm.

Fearing for their safety, the two fled. They were later intercepted by police officers in an alley and brought to the police station, where their motorcycle was issued an impoundment ticket.

‘A mere bruise’

At the police station, the father said his son was initially examined by a policewoman, who reportedly dismissed the injury as a mere bruise.

Unaware of the extent of the injury, the father brought his son to a hospital.

An X-ray taken at around 11 p.m. that same day revealed a fracture in the boy’s arm.

Because the initial hospital had no orthopedic specialist, the boy was transferred to another medical facility for further treatment.

The father said the incident prevented his son from attending school for two weeks, while he was unable to work during the same period.

Why Napolcom

The complainant initially sought assistance from the PNP Internal Affairs Service, but later withdrew his complaint and filed it with Napolcom instead.

He said he had greater confidence in Commissioner Ralph Calinisan to pursue accountability for what happened to his son.

Calinisan said Napolcom was investigating the complaint and working to establish the identities of the officers involved.

He declined to disclose any names pending official verification.

Questions on force

Calinisan questioned why the minor was not immediately referred for medical examination despite the apparent injury.

“The bruise on the child’s hand was clear. Even at first glance, it was not an ordinary bruise. That should have prompted an immediate medical examination and medico-legal documentation,” he said.

Calinisan also questioned whether the force allegedly used against the minor was reasonable.

“Assuming we needed to stop him because he fled the checkpoint, was the force used reasonable? Was it justified to strike a minor with a firearm just to make him stop? I don’t think so,” he said.

Checkpoint standards

Calinisan said established police checkpoints must be clearly marked, supervised by a police officer, and located in a well-lit and visible area.

Napolcom will determine whether the alleged checkpoint met these standards and whether the officers were conducting a legitimate police operation.