PNP probing if 'friendly fire' killed, wounded cops in Pampanga rescue op

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday said it is investigating if a “friendly fire” killed a cop and injured another in a recent rescue operation for Chinese kidnap victims in Angeles City, Pampanga.

In a press conference, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said PNP chief Police General Rommel Marbil assured the family of the deceased cop that those responsible will be held accountable.

“Kung mapapatunayan na nanggaling sa friendly fire 'yung nakapatay sa pulis definitely mananagot po ito,” Fajardo said.

(If proven that friendly fire killed the policeman, those responsible will definitely be held accountable.)

“'Yun po 'yung commitment na naibigay ng ating Chief PNP na mananagot kung sinuman ang nakapatay at nakasugat regardless kung saan nanggaling po ito. Kung ito po ay mapapatunayan na galing sa aming hanay ay wala po tayong itatago at pananagutin po ito,” she added.

(That's the commitment given by our Chief PNP that anyone who killed or injured the cops will be held accountable regardless of where it came from. If proven that the shots came from our ranks, we will not hide anything and they will be held accountable.)

Fajardo refused to divulge more information about the matter as the investigation is still ongoing and in respect to the family of the victims.

One police officer was killed while another one was wounded during a rescue of two kidnapped Chinese nationals in Angeles City last week, the PNP - Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) said on Monday.

Police Chief Master Sergeant Eden Accad and Police Staff Sergeant Nelson Santiago were brought to Angeles University Foundation Medical Center in Angeles City for treatment

However, Santiago was pronounced dead on arrival.

Based on a police report, Chinese police attaché Zheng Zhue around 11 a.m. on Saturday reported to authorities that the two Chinese were abducted in Ayala Avenue.

The kidnappers brought the victims to Angeles City in Pampanga and demanded ¥500,000 or P8,000,000 in ransom.

Around 2 p.m., PNP-AKG personnel conducted the operation at De Guzman Street in Sitio Feliza that resulted in an armed encounter, according to the police.

The two kidnapped Chinese victims were rescued and two Chinese suspects were arrested.—AOL, GMA Integrated News