The recent shooting incident in Barangay Cabuyoan, Panganiban, involving the tragic death of 28-year-old Dennil Jhon Tala Fulton, highlights an urgent need for a comprehensive and impartial investigation. This is not a call to condemn the Philippine National Police (PNP) but a necessary step to ensure accountability, transparency, and the refinement of operational protocols.
Central to this issue is the review of the PNP’s Rules of Engagement, particularly in scenarios involving individuals perceived as threats but armed only with melee weapons, such as a bolo. While the PNP officers’ decision to use lethal force may have been prompted by an immediate sense of danger, it raises valid questions about proportionality and adherence to the principle of maximum tolerance.
Law enforcement officers are tasked with protecting both public safety and individual rights—a delicate balance that must not be skewed. In this case, concerns have been raised over whether the response was commensurate with the threat posed by an individual armed with a bolo versus officers equipped with firearms.
Video evidence of the incident reveals inconsistencies in the handling of the situation, prompting public scrutiny over whether non-lethal measures, such as evasion or incapacitation, could have been employed. The PNP’s expertise in martial arts and crowd control techniques should equip them to manage such encounters without immediate resort to lethal force.
The PNP Provincial Internal Affairs Service (PIAS) and the ongoing criminal investigation are steps in the right direction. However, these measures may not fully address public concerns. An independent investigation, potentially involving the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) or other third-party entities, is essential to establish credibility and impartiality.
Such an investigation should focus not only on the incident itself but also on the broader implications for police training, protocol enforcement, and community trust. The goal is not to vilify the PNP but to identify systemic gaps and recommend reforms that enhance their effectiveness while safeguarding human rights.
The family of the victim deserves justice, and the public deserves reassurance that the institutions tasked with their protection operate within ethical and legal bounds. A thorough review of the Rules of Engagement can serve as a preventive measure, ensuring that future operations prioritize de-escalation and proportional responses.
This incident is an opportunity for the PNP to demonstrate its commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement. By embracing a culture of reflection and reform, law enforcement agencies can reinforce public trust and strengthen their mandate to serve and protect.
Justice must be swift, fair, and comprehensive—not only for the victim’s family but for the community and the officers involved. The true measure of a professional and ethical police force lies in its ability to uphold the law with integrity, even in the face of adversity. || BP EDITORIAL |
