THE family of Samuel Q. Dotillos cried foul over what they described as an act of “overkill” by Cebu City policemen who gunned down Samuel at the North Reclamation Area last Tuesday night.

Samuel’s widow Leticia went to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) 7 yesterday, asking it to look into the killing.

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In a report over GMA 7’s Una sa Balita yesterday, Leticia lamented the manner by which Samuel was shot and killed by operatives of the Mabolo Police Station and the Mobile Patrol Group (MPG).

She said most of the shots made by police hit her husband’s upper extremities, tearing his heart and liver.

Leticia said that if they only meant to neutralize Samuel, they should have aimed at his leg or foot.

“Naigo ang iyang vital organs…ang iyang kasingkasing ug atay.

Grabe kaayo sila oy (They hit his vital organs, his heart and liver. They were merciless),” said Leticia, who failed to hide her tears during the interview.

Cebu City Police Office Director Patrocinio Comendador Jr. said it is the prerogative of Samuel’s family to question the police operation.

“We welcome their complaint but first of all, they should consider what would have happened if Samuel killed five persons (in the area)?” he said.

He said a CHR investigation will allow his office to explain and justify the way in which Samuel was handled.

In deciding to shoot Samuel, the police were only protecting the safety of the public in general, he said.

Comendador added that shooting at someone’s lower extremities at night, especially when that someone is moving, is difficult.

Samuel, who was from Fairview Village, Talisay City, Cebu, died of multiple gunshot wounds after he was shot by P01 Noel Belicario of the Mabolo Police Station and PO2s Leo Gallego and Remos Goco of the MPG.

Samuel allegedly ran amok and attacked the police with a bolo.

He also allegedly damaged a patrol car of the MPG.

The incident occurred at the corner of S. Osmeña and 1st Sts., outside the compound of the Cebu International Port past 11 p.m. Tuesday.