The construction worker who was killed by the police after being mistaken for a holdupper in Pampanga was buried Saturday morning.
Emotions flowed until the last mass in Sta. Rita Parish Church in the said province.
The family and friends of Federico Pineda, better known as “Boytek” cry for justice.
The 29-year-old construction worker in Sta. Rita, Pampanga was killed by a police officer who mistakenly identified him as a holdupper.
Many were saddened and regretted the loss of Pineda whom they described as a kind, witty, and friendly person.
“Kahit saan ka niya makita binabati ka niya, very helpful siya. Siyempre po nakakalungkot, nakakaawa po ‘yung pamilya niya, ‘yung mga anak niya, kahit na anong gawin natin hindi na babalik ‘yung tatay nila,” said Ellyn Mercado, Pineda’s neighbor.
It was 9 am on Saturday when he was laid to rest in Sta. Rita Public Cemetery.
His wife, Carla, almost passed out because of grief. Pineda has two children.
Meanwhile, Pineda’s shooter Patrolman Eframe Ramirez was detained in Sta. Rita Municipal Police Station. He was charged with homicide on Tuesday.
Construction worker mistaken as holdupper laid to rest
The Commission on Human Rights has promised to monitor the case and ensure that the police are held accountable.
“Even if it’s accidental firing baril ‘yun ng estado, officer ‘yun ng estado at nakapatay siya, nakapatay siya at nalapastangan ‘yung karapatang pantao ng biktima, so definitely you could say that there’s human rights violation,” said Leorae Valmonte, officer-in-charge ng CHR of Region 3.
Earlier, Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Debold Sinas said the police officer involved in Pineda’s murder would be dismissed.
According to Police Capt. Renemer James Pornia, chief of Sta. Rita Police, the construction worker matched the suspect’s description so he was mistaken for the holdupper.
“During the dragnet operation, the victim suddenly appeared in the area near the incident. He had the same description as the suspect so when he was flagged down, he evaded and disregarded our patrol officer. There was a chase and while the patrolman was on his motorcycle, he accidentally fired his gun when he drew it and shot the victim,” Pornia said in Filipino.