CHR to probe killing of teen with special needs by cop

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) will investigate the killing of an 18-year-old male with special needs by a policeman in Valenzuela City.

CHR spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline de Guia stated that uncovering the truth is a priority due to conflicting accounts from the police, witnesses, and the victim's family.

The teenager, Edwin Arnigo, was reportedly shot dead by a police officer during a raid on an illegal cockfighting operation.

Police claim Arnigo was killed in a struggle after grabbing a firearm, but his mother disputes this, saying her son was afraid of police.

The involved police officer has been disarmed and is under restrictive custody while the PNP Internal Affairs Service conducts its own investigation.

The CHR emphasized that law enforcement should prioritize non-violent means before using force and firearms, as per UN principles and PNP's revised operational procedures prohibiting excessive force.