The family of the young man Abelardo Vasquez, who was shot by police in Bacolor, Pampanga, for allegedly not wearing a face mask and making noise, is now demanding justice.
According to the victim’s mother, Lou, the suspect, identified as Police Cpl. Alvin Pastorin, an intelligence officer in the Pampanga police.
Lou insisted that her 20-year-old son and his cousins were just talking outside the house when the police apprehended him on November 20.
Pastorin allegedly shot the victim at close range. As a result, the young man sustained bullet wounds to the chest and neck.
According to Lou, she was working in Angeles City when the incident happened.
“Hndi ko siya nakita, nakita ko na po na nakakabaong na,” she told TeleRadyo on Friday.
Based on the police investigation, Pastorin allegedly picked up the youths and told them to go home, but they answered each other.
The young man allegedly asked for backup from the drinking relatives and then rushed to the police. Police added that Pastorin was allegedly stoned and beaten, so he fired in self-defense.
Justice demanded for face mask violator killed by police
“Imposible naman pong kinuyog siya at pinagbabato. Bakit po wala siyang pasa-pasa?” said Lou.
The victim’s mother added that Abelardo was not fond of fights.
“Kaya nga po doon kami nanggigil kung ano-anong pinagsasabi niya. Hindi naman po totoo. ‘Yung mga anak ko, hindi ‘yan mahilig sa away,” she said.
Before the incident, Abelardo was allegedly preparing his requirements to be able to work. The young man reportedly wanted to return to Davao, where he grew up.
According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), a homicide case has been filed against Pastorin, who is currently detained at the Bacolor Municipal Police Station.
PNP Chief General Dionardo Carlos promised that justice would be given to the victim.
“I would like to express my sincerest condolences to the bereaved family of Mr. Vasquez and assure them that justice will be served following the due process of the law,” said Carlos on Thursday.
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