17-Year-Old Suffers Broken Arm at Baliwag, Bulacan Checkpoint — National Police Commission Opens Investigation

17-Year-Old Suffers Broken Arm at Baliwag, Bulacan Checkpoint — National Police Commission Opens Investigation

📌 The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) began an investigation on Friday, November 13, after a complaint was filed that a 17-year-old boy riding a motorcycle at a checkpoint on the Baliwag-Pulilan bypass road in Baliwag, Bulacan on Saturday, October 31 suffered a broken arm after being struck by a police officer swinging a long firearm. The police side has not yet been reported.

■ Sequence of events (complainant's claims)
· The boy said he was on his way home after getting motorcycle parts, with his 21-year-old uncle riding behind him, and that he did not know it was a checkpoint because there was no checkpoint sign (ABS-CBN)
· Two police officers were standing by the roadside, and when he rode past, one of them allegedly struck his arm with a long firearm — his uncle was also reportedly hit on the body
· Frightened, he fled but was caught in an alley and taken to the police station, where the motorcycle was given an impound ticket. A policewoman allegedly sent him home without medical treatment, saying it was just a bruise
· Around 11 p.m., an X-ray at a hospital confirmed a fracture; there was no orthopedic doctor, so he was transferred to another hospital. He may need to have a metal pin inserted

■ Investigation and current status
· On the 13th, the father filed an administrative complaint with NAPOLCOM — the earlier complaint filed with the police Internal Affairs Service (IAS) was withdrawn (Daily Tribune)
· NAPOLCOM is looking into whether the use of force was excessive, whether the checkpoint met the requirements for signage, supervision, and lighting, why he was not given medical treatment, and even the command responsibility of superiors. Charges of neglect of duty and conduct unbecoming of a police officer may apply
· The identities of the officers involved are being verified, and the Bulacan provincial police director and the Baliwag police chief have been asked to explain (ABS-CBN)
· NAPOLCOM Vice Chairman Calinisan said, "If a bone was broken, it seems excessive," but added that a judgment cannot be made based solely on the complainant's statements

■ Notes for residents and travelers
· If you see a checkpoint, slow down and stop as instructed by the police for your safety
· If you are injured, get medical treatment right away and keep a medical certificate — it will serve as evidence when filing a complaint or report
· Police misconduct can be reported to NAPOLCOM or the police Internal Affairs Service (IAS)

■ Sources
GMA (11/13), Daily Tribune (11/13), ABS-CBN (11/13)

■ Photos
· 1. X-ray of the fractured right arm — GMA News
· 2. NAPOLCOM commissioner briefing — Daily Tribune