Police Officer Dismissed From Service For Shooting Down Traffic Enforcer

A veteran police officer from the Philippines was dismissed from service for reportedly killing a traffic enforcer in Quezon City, Philippines.

He was identified as Lt. Felixberto Tiquil who is facing charges of grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer were filed against him by the common-law wife and friend of the victim.

Tiquil is being charged with shooing Filipino traffic enforcer Edgar Follero, someone who allegedly mistook him for a carjacker according to local media. The police officer allegedly acted out of self-defense.

However, the People's Law Enforcement Board of Quezon City (PLEB QC), is not buying the excuse of Tiquil, pointing out that being a veteran police officer, he would have known better.

"He claims to be a seasoned police officer, and yet at the slightest instance, his first instinct is to inflict a mortal wound against an innocent person,” Atty. Rafael Calinisan, Executive Officer of the PLEB, said.

“This is a clear violation of the PNP Rules of Procedure... We are more than convinced that Tiquil was not being truthful in his narrative of what happened,” he added.

QC Mayor Joy Belmonte added that this decision by the PLEB QC should serve as a warning to other police officers, emphasizing that they are accountable for their actions, particularly in Quezon City.

"The resolution of this case is a triumph for justice. In less than 60 days from the filing of the complaint, the PLEB was able to resolve this matter with utmost impartiality and dispatch. The wheels of justice run fast here in Quezon City, without fear or favor,” Mayor Belmonte stated.

The incident happened around 3:40 a.m. on October 13. Follero was assisting a person named Paul Timothy Delos Reyes at the time whose motorcycle had broken down, Rappler reported.

Tiquil allegedly appeared from nowhere and then shot Follero. It was added by the Quezon City local government unit that Tiquil had shot without any warning.

Follero still managed to ride his motorcycle and seek help from other cops near the public market. Police arrested Tiquil and rushed Follero to the hospital. However, the traffic enforcer was pronounced dead on arrival.