The Philippine National Police (PNP) is studying the procurement of non-lethal equipment, such as plastic batons, pepper spray, and tasers, following a fatal police shooting in Barangay Balabag, Pavia, Iloilo on August 1.
PNP Chief General Nicolas Torre III said the agency is re-evaluating its approach to high-risk police interventions to prevent future loss of life.
“Moving forward, we are looking into options that will avoid fatal outcomes in our police responses,” he said during a media briefing at Camp Crame.
“The matter is under serious study to ensure improvements in how the PNP handles such situations,” he added.
Torre confirmed that the suspect—a 33-year-old man—was shot and killed after he allegedly charged at responding officers with a knife.
The suspect’s mother had earlier called for police assistance after he reportedly chased his younger sister with the bladed weapon.
Police said the suspect lunged at them, prompting an officer to open fire.
“Our officers are trained in unarmed combat, disarming techniques, and other non-lethal intervention methods as part of their standard training,” Torre noted.
However, he acknowledged that the use of non-lethal tools may provide more appropriate alternatives in similar scenarios.
“It’s just a matter of studying and procuring what’s applicable for our police operations,” he said.
The PNP chief also reiterated his support for the responding officer’s actions during the Pavia incident.
“We want to give him the benefit of the doubt because he was the one on the ground. So we support him in the use of his firearm on that occasion,” Torre stated.
“We will continue to support our police officers unless there is clear evidence of grave misconduct,” he added.
Torre has since directed all police units to prioritize non-lethal methods and is reviewing existing policies to reinforce the responsible use of force in volatile situation.IMT
