PNP: Mandaluyong shooting team leader’s response a ‘call of duty’

MANILA, Philippines — The police team leader of the Mandaluyong City “mistaken identity” shooting fiasco only acted on the performance of her duty, Eastern Police director Chief Superintendent Reynaldo Biay said Thursday.

In a televised press briefing, Biay said Senior Inspector Maria Cristina Vasquez had told him that she responded to her call of duty, which led to the killing of two individuals last December 28.

“I advise her not to treat yourself as a criminal. Kasi rumesponde ka. You yourself ma-aassess mo kung ikaw mismo bad ka. Kung ano ‘yung pagkakamali sa response nandyan na ‘yan. It’s an individual call or discretion,” Biay said.

Mandaluyong Police officer-in-charge Superintendent Enrique Agtarap, moreover, defended the city’s cops who responded to false information.

“Mataas po ang morale ng mga pulis namin. Madali silang nag-responde, ginawa nila ‘yung trabaho nila though there were lapses at the end of the story,” he said.

READ: Police chief, 10 others relieved over Mandaluyong 'misencounter'

Vasquez, who had gone absent without official leave after the fatal incident, surrendered Wednesday afternoon.

Her surrender came after Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa’s appeal to turn herself in and face the consequence of her actions.

Biay said Vasquez cited “personal reasons” on why she did not report for duty for days.

She was placed under the restrictive custody of Agtarap.

Biay said Vasquez did not attend the inquest proceedings on the homicide and frustrated homicide charges filed against her and nine other cops. 

Gilberto Gulpo, the watchman driving the village barangay mobile patrol seen firing at the vehicle, is still at large.

READ: Mandaluyong cops, watchmen face homicide raps for 'misencounter'