Police officer involved in shooting young man with special needs

A police officer was involved in the shooting of an 18-year-old man with special needs in Valenzuela.

Helen Arnigo mourned the sudden death of her 18-year-old son Edwin.

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On Sunday, Edwin was allegedly shot while the Valenzuela police were conducting a police operation.

According to the Valenzuela police statement, Edwin allegedly snatched a gun from police Senior Master Sgt. Cristopher Salcedo so he was shot.

But this is contrary to the statement of the victim’s family.

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Arnigo also could not fully comprehend how her son, who was on the autism spectrum, was shot.

“Sabi nila nang-agaw ng baril, hindi magagawa ng anak ko yun kasi ang laki ng pulis eh, paano maaagawan ng baril ‘yun? eh tutulak lang ng kalaro ‘yun talsik na,” said Arnigo.

The mother added that she spoke to a witness about what really happened to her son.

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Police officer involved in shooting young man with special needs

“Pagtakbo ng anak ko, may pulis daw, nabulaga. Ginano’n ‘yung anak ko, tinutok ang baril dito, yakap-yakap niya. Ang tanong ko, bakit niya binaril anak ko eh yakap na niya?” said Helen.

“Binabaliktad kasi kami. Kaya kailangan namin na NBI matulungan kami…. Hirap [si Edwin] magsalita… Takot sa pulis ‘yun, sa baril, sa paputok, hindi niya lalapitan, sa kidlat takot din ‘yun… Sana lumabas ang tama na pangyayari,” said “Totoy,” family friend.

Edwin’s teacher also could not believe the police’s statement that he had snatched the gun. Edwin is said to be a quiet, kind, and obedient student.

“Sa 10 years kong nakasama si Edwin, never siyang naging aggressive, ever. Kaya nalulungkot ako na meron siyang naging ganu’n nakasangkutan, si Edwin ay kuya ng aking mga estudyante… Pagdating sa kanyang behavior wala ako masabi, ‘yan ay laging bumabati sa lahat ng teacher, nagbe-bless,” said Teacher Joey Andres Galang.

For now, the family is still waiting for Edwin’s body to be autopsied.

Criminal and administrative cases are still being prepared to be filed against the police officer who shot the victim.

The National Bureau of Investigation will investigate the incident.

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