THE Office of the Ombudsman approved Thursday, April 4, the dismissal of and filing of murder cases against a Manila police officer who killed a 23-year-old epileptic during an anti-drug operation in 2017.
Malacañang, for its part, welcomed Ombudsman Samuel Martires's order against Police Officer 3 Gerry Geñalope of the Manila Police District Station 7 in Tondo, saying President Rodrigo Duterte's administration would not condone any acts committed by any police officers beyond their duty.
Geñalope has been accused of killing a suspected drug personality identified as Djastin Lopez.
Lopez was reportedly shot to death by Geñalope at the Hermosa-Pilar rail tracks in Tondo on May 18, 2017.
Witnesses, in their testimonies, said that Lopez even had a seizure while begging for his life.
Police said firearms, ammunition, and shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) were seized from Lopez, but the alleged drug suspect's mother accused the authorities of planting evidence.
In his resolution, Ombudsman Martires found Geñalope guilty of grave misconduct.
He ordered the cancellation of Geñalope's eligibility to be a police officer, forfeiture of his retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said: "We welcome it as [Duterte] says his administration will not tolerate abuse on the part of police officers as there will be hell to pay." (SunStar Philippines)