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NBI starts own probe of photog-cop shootout


The National Bureau of Investigation has started its own investigation into the shootout between a tabloid photojournalist and policemen in Manila last weekend. On Monday, radio dzBB reported that NBI agents conducted an ocular inspection of the house of "Abante" photojournalist Jasper Barcelon in Sampaloc, where the incident occurred. NBI agents said they plan to gather more evidence and statements from those involved in the incident, which occurred shortly after midnight last Friday. (See: Report: 2 hurt in Manila 'shootout' between photojournalist, cops) PO3 Arthur Martinez of the Manila Police District and Barcelon's father were injured in the shooting, even as Barcelon was released to the custody of Manila Police District Press Corps president Bernardo Batuigas. The NBI entered the picture after the MPD and Barcelon gave conflicting statements on what happened. An initial investigation showed Barcelon's brother accosted two policemen urinating near their home, and the policemen allegedly fired at the Barcelon residence. But the policemen claimed Martinez had tried to pacify Barcelon and an unidentified man urinating near Barcelon's house and Barcelon fired at Martinez. The dzBB report said the MPD plans to file frustrated homicide charges against Barcelon while Barcelon plans to file attempted homicide charges against the policemen. On Sunday, Barcelon was temporarily released to Batuigas. "Hindi sa pagtatakpan pero gusto namin malaman na lumutang ang katotohanan (This was not meant to cover up for Barcelon but to make sure the truth came out)," Batuigas said in an interview on dzBB radio Sunday. In the same interview, Batuigas preferred that the NBI conduct a parallel probe, noting that those involved in the shootout were members of the MPD. "Kailangan siguro mailipat ang kaso sa NBI, di patas ang kaso (We may have to ask that the NBI handle the investigation. If the MPD handles the probe there will always be the perception it favors its own men)," he said. — RSJ, GMANews.TV

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