A Tragic Wake-Up Call: The Fatal Shooting of a Policeman by a Teenage Gang Member

The Incident: A Chain of Events On the fateful night, Sgt. Felicio was en route to pick up his wife when he encountered a group of teenagers being reprimanded for violating curfew. When one of the teenagers fled, Felicio instinctively pursued him. Unfortunately, during the chase, the boy brandished a .38 caliber revolver and shot Felicio in the head. This shocking act not only resulted in the loss of a dedicated officer but also raises alarms about the alarming prevalence of firearms among youth. The Aftermath: A Community in Shock Following the incident, a manhunt was launched for the teenage assailant, who eventually surrendered to his teacher, leading to his arrest. Authorities later discovered that the boy was affiliated with the Crips, a youth gang notorious for its criminal activities. The revelation of gang involvement underscores a troubling trend in youth behavior and the escalating violence that can arise from it. Police Response: A Call for Vigilance In light of this tragedy, Police Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin emphasized the importance of vigilance among police officers. During a command conference, Aberin urged his personnel to maintain heightened awareness not just while on duty but also during their personal time. Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare echoed this sentiment, stating, “We should always keep our guards up in all instances. Not only when on-duty but also when off-duty to avoid the unnecessary loss of lives.” This call to action highlights the ongoing risks faced by law enforcement and the need for comprehensive training and preparedness.

Supporting the Family: A Community's Commitment In the wake of Sgt. Felicio's death, the PRO-7 has pledged to provide necessary assistance to his family. Felicio leaves behind a wife and two children, and the police force is committed to ensuring that they receive adequate support. Pelare stated, “Aside from the benefits that he will receive from the PNP, the PRO-7 will also give significant assistance to the family to make sure that his children can continue with their studies.” This commitment reflects the solidarity within the police community and the importance of supporting families affected by such tragedies.