ILOILO City – An ophthalmologist was injured after being shot by responding police officers following an alleged hit-and-run incident in La Paz district early Sunday morning, October 11.
Three police officers involved in the shooting have been administratively relieved from their posts pending an investigation, according to Police Colonel Wilbert Parilla, director of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO).
The 29-year-old doctor, identified only as alias Paul and a resident of Jaro district, sustained a gunshot wound to the abdomen. He was initially brought to Iloilo St. Paul’s Hospital and was later transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU).
Parilla said the incident began when the doctor, who was reportedly driving a Honda Accord from Iloilo City toward the coastal area, allegedly hit vegetable stalls, including their signage, and a tricycle in Barangay Baldoza, La Paz.
The incident was reported through the 911 emergency hotline, prompting police to respond and pursue the vehicle.
According to Parilla, officers intercepted the vehicle in Barangay La Granja. However, Parilla said the driver allegedly attempted to ram the responding policemen, prompting them to open fire.
Despite being wounded, the driver continued driving until the vehicle came to a stop in Barangay Caingin, where he exited the car and surrendered to police.
Barangay Caingin councilman Jose Arnel Jayme noted that the doctor’s vehicle sustained numerous bullet holes and scratches. Portions of the chase and the driver’s surrender were captured on CCTV footage.
Parilla said he had ordered an investigation to establish what happened and determine whether the officers’ use of firearms was justified.
“We have only heard the side of the responding police officers so far. We have not yet talked to the victim because he is still in the hospital,” Parilla said.
The three involved officers were temporarily assigned to the ICPO’s administrative office while the investigation continued. Their firearms were also turned over to the crime laboratory as part of standard procedure following a shooting incident.
Parilla added that the doctor’s father had earlier reported that his son was in stable condition. However, the doctor was subsequently transferred to the ICU.
Authorities have yet to establish the full sequence of events leading to the shooting, including the driver’s account of the pursuit and the circumstances surrounding the alleged attempt to ram the officers.
Meanwhile, in a statement posted on her Facebook page on Sunday afternoon, Iloilo City’s Mayor Raisa Treñas confirmed that the driver is her relative, while assuring the public that no special treatment will be given.
“Ginatugyan ko ini sa Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) ang pag-imbestigar sa natabo nga insidente. And I expect a fair, thorough, and impartial investigation, regardless of who is involved. Should the investigation establish grounds for criminal liability, appropriate charges must be filed in accordance with the law,” the mayor added./PN
