Probe says death of rookie cop an accident

COLLABORATION. “Don’t work alone, consult with other stakeholders,” Commissioner Luisito Palmera of the National Police Commission (Napolcom) told the members of Police Regional Office (PRO-7) when he spoke on how to strengthen community ties which will greatly contribute to a decrease in crime rate and speedy resolutions to crime cases. (CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)

Police investigators yesterday said the death of PO1 Christopher Ruiz Jr., who touched a live wire during a field  training exercise, was an accident.

“I  already received the result of the investigation. They found out the incident was not intentional. But they found some lapses in conducting the training and recommended 32 personnel to undergo a pre-charge investigation,” Supt. Rey Lyndon Lawas, head of the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division (RIDMD).

The 32 police personnel of the Regional Public Safety Battalion Central Visayas (RPSB-7) have to submit an official account of the   June 22 incident.

The pre-charge investigation is aimed at discovering  possible lapses and liability in relation to  the death of 23-year-old Ruiz.

“They are regular members of RPSB-7 and the components of each station who are in charge of the safety of the area.

They  conducted an inspection but we will have to verify if they did it thoroughly to ensure no accident will take place,” Lawas said.

The filing of charges will depend on the result of the evaluation.

Ruiz’s father, a retired police officer and a lawyer, has sought the help of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI-7) to investigate the incident.

An autopsy conducted by Dr. Rene Cam of NBI-7 showed burn marks on the trainees hand and no signs of  foul play.

Ruiz’s remains was transferred to his residence in Labogon, Mandaue City yesterday.

His funeral is set for July 11 in Liloan town.