FAMILY and friends of 17-year-old Archie Pilongco who was allegedly killed by a policeman in Barangay Singcang-Airport, Bacolod City last month, dropped by Police Station 8 to call for justice for his death before his interment at a public cemetery in Barangay Sum-ag Monday.
On the way to the burial, the boy’s kin, together with members of militant groups, held a condemnation rally past 2 p.m.
They brought Pilongco’s coffin in front of the police station in Barangay Tangub and shouted, “Hustisya!” (Justice).
They also placed candles in front of the station.
A militant group member said the death of Pilongco can be considered an extrajudicial killing (EJK).
Pilongco’s family believed that their loved one should have not been killed, only arrested if he indeed committed an offense.
On October 19, Police Officer 2 Ryan Sagon of Police Station 8 responded to a call for assistance at Old Airport in Barangay Singcang-Airport, where he spotted Pilongco allegedly stealing scrap materials.
Pilongco drew his firearm but Sagon fired at him. The bullet ricocheted hitting the minor’s head.
Twelve days after the incident, Sagon was relieved from his post and was transferred to Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) headquarters pending the investigation for his administrative case.
Senior Inspector Armilyn Vargas, public information officer of BCPO, said a homicide case, not murder, was filed against Sagon because there was no intention to kill the minor.