Below is a comprehensive legal-style article discussing the format and key considerations for a police report on Attempted Murder in the Philippines. This article covers relevant legal bases, practical guidelines, and best practices in preparing and structuring such a report. Please note that this information is provided for general guidance and should not be construed as formal legal advice.

I. Introduction

Attempted Murder is a serious felony under the Philippine Revised Penal Code (RPC). The gravity of the crime requires thorough and accurate documentation by law enforcement agencies, particularly in the form of an official police report. A police report serves multiple purposes:

Establishing a Clear Record – It documents the circumstances of the alleged offense, the identities of victims and suspects, and any initial findings at the scene.
Preserving Evidence – A comprehensive report helps ensure essential evidence is collected, preserved, and substantiated, facilitating case buildup and judicial processes.
Facilitating Prosecution – The police report is among the first official documents that prosecutors, defense lawyers, and courts examine, thus emphasizing the need for clarity, completeness, and accuracy.

This article explores the relevant legal framework, the elements of Attempted Murder, and the recommended structure and components of a police report in the Philippine context.

II. Legal Framework

Relevant Provisions in the Revised Penal Code
- Attempted Crimes (Article 6, RPC). An attempted felony is committed when the offender begins the commission of a felony directly by overt acts but does not perform all the acts of execution, due to some cause or accident other than his or her own spontaneous desistance.
- Murder (Article 248, RPC). Murder is the unlawful killing of another person when certain qualifying circumstances (e.g., treachery, premeditation) are present. Attempted Murder applies when the offender performs overt acts to kill another person under qualifying circumstances, yet the intended killing does not succeed.
Distinction from Attempted Homicide
- In practice, Attempted Murder may be distinguished from Attempted Homicide by the presence of specific qualifying circumstances like treachery, abuse of superior strength, etc. The police report must carefully note any signs of these qualifying circumstances to guide the prosecutor in the proper classification of the offense.
Other Applicable Laws and Regulations
- Philippine National Police (PNP) Operational Procedures – Provide guidelines and best practices for investigation, evidence gathering, and reporting formats.
- Rules of Criminal Procedure – Outline the procedure for filing criminal complaints and the requisite documentation needed by prosecutors and courts.
- Chain of Custody Guidelines – Particularly important for securing physical evidence or ballistic evidence in shooting incidents related to Attempted Murder cases.

III. Elements of Attempted Murder to Emphasize in the Report

To properly establish Attempted Murder, the following elements (adapted from relevant legal provisions) should be reflected in the police report:

Intent to Kill – Demonstrated by overt acts that show a clear intention to end the victim’s life.
Overt Acts – These acts directly commence the execution of the crime (e.g., firing a gun, stabbing motions, setting an ambush).
Non-Completion of the Crime – The act did not lead to the victim’s death for reasons independent of the offender’s will (e.g., the victim escaped, the weapon jammed, or immediate medical intervention saved the victim).
Qualifying Circumstances – Presence or absence of aggravating factors such as treachery (alevosía), superior strength, or premeditation.

IV. General Format of a Police Report in the Philippines

Although various police stations may have specific templates or forms, there is a generally accepted structure and standard operating procedure for drafting official police reports. Below is a typical format, adapted to the specifics of an Attempted Murder incident:

Header Information
- PNP Letterhead and Station Details
  - Include the official letterhead of the relevant Philippine National Police station or unit.
  - State the station’s name, address, telephone number, and reference numbers (e.g., blotter entry number or case reference number).
- Title of the Report
  - For clarity, indicate the type of incident: “Police Report on Attempted Murder.”
Date, Time, and Place of Reporting
- Indicate the exact date and time the report is being filed.
- Include the name of the police station or office (with its address).
Case Identification/Reference Number
- Assign a unique reference or case number.
- Cross-reference to the blotter entry number if the initial report is extracted from the official police blotter.
Subject/Incident Details
- Subject: “Attempted Murder Incident.”
- Date and Time of Incident: State the specific date and approximate time of the alleged crime.
- Location of Incident: Be precise, including street name, barangay, municipality/city, and province.
Involved Parties
- Victim Information
  - Full name, address, contact details, date of birth, occupation, and any identifying information.
- Suspect(s) Information
  - If identified, include their full name, alias(es) if any, address, and any known personal identifiers or descriptors. If not identified, provide a description or reference to witness accounts.
- Witness(es) Information
  - Full name, contact details, and summaries of their statements (if already taken).
Narrative or Summary of Facts
- Chronological Order of Events
  - Briefly narrate how the incident transpired, from the perspective of the victim, witnesses, and preliminary investigation.
- Manner of Execution
  - Highlight details suggesting intent to kill and the overt acts undertaken by the suspect.
  - State any qualifying circumstances (e.g., sudden attack, location and manner of ambush, use of a deadly weapon).
- Injuries Sustained
  - Describe injuries to the victim and the medical attention rendered or recommended.
- Immediate Police Response
  - Reference how law enforcement was alerted, the responding officers’ arrival time, and any emergency medical services provided.
Evidence and Scene Details
- Physical Evidence
  - Note weapons found or used (e.g., spent shells, bladed weapons).
  - Detail ballistic evidence if firearms are involved.
- Photos or Sketches
  - If available, attach or reference crime scene photographs or a sketch plan.
- Chain of Custody
  - Indicate to whom evidence was turned over, how it was packaged and labeled, and which officer is in charge of safekeeping.
Statements and Interviews
- Summarize statements from the victim, suspect (if available), and eyewitnesses.
- Indicate if further formal affidavits or follow-up interviews are pending.
Initial Investigation Findings
- Provide the investigating officer’s preliminary assessment on whether Attempted Murder is the appropriate charge, including factual bases for any qualifying circumstances.
- Note any pending lab results (e.g., ballistic examination, forensic analyses).
Actions Taken and Recommendations

Arrest and Detention Status
- Indicate whether the suspect was arrested in flagrante delicto or via warrantless arrest, or if the suspect remains at large.
Referrals
- Mention referrals to the local prosecutor’s office for inquest proceedings or preliminary investigation.
Follow-Up Investigations
- Outline the next steps: obtaining CCTV footage, verifying the suspect’s background, conducting a medical examination, or requesting official medical certificates from the attending hospital.

Officer’s Details and Signatures

Name and Rank of the reporting officer, along with the signature.
Name and Rank of the Investigating Officer (if different).
Reviewing/Approving Officer’s Signature
- Typically, this is the Station Commander or the designated superior officer who reviews and approves the report.

Attachments

Police Blotter entry (photocopy or reference).
Witness Affidavits or sworn statements (if available).
Medical Certificates or hospital records indicating the victim’s injuries.
Crime scene photographs/sketches.
Chain of custody forms for physical evidence.

V. Best Practices and Key Considerations

Accuracy and Completeness
- Ensure all names, dates, places, and statements are accurately recorded. The slightest error or omission can undermine the credibility of the report and hamper prosecution.
Objectivity and Neutrality
- Present facts clearly without personal bias or assumptions. Stick to what is observed or reported, and attribute statements properly to victims or witnesses.
Prompt Filing
- Submit the official report as soon as possible to reduce lapses in memory, prevent evidence from being lost, and expedite any necessary legal actions.
Confidentiality
- Some details may be sensitive, particularly in high-profile incidents. The responsible officer should follow the PNP’s guidelines on confidentiality and the Data Privacy Act where applicable.
Coordination with Prosecutors
- The investigating officer may need to consult the inquest or regular prosecutor to align the documented facts with the legal requirements for Attempted Murder. Proper charge determination is critical—especially distinguishing Attempted Murder from Attempted Homicide.
Continuous Training
- PNP personnel should be updated on changes in the Revised Penal Code and other relevant laws. Regular seminars and workshops enhance the quality of police reports and reduce procedural lapses.

VI. Conclusion

The preparation of a police report on Attempted Murder in the Philippine context demands meticulous adherence to legal provisions and standard police protocols. By following a clear, consistent format and verifying all elements of the crime, officers increase the likelihood that charges are correctly filed and that due process is observed at every stage.

Properly executed police reports serve as critical stepping stones in the pursuit of justice, ensuring that the facts of the incident are preserved accurately and comprehensively for all parties involved—victims, suspects, prosecutors, and the judiciary.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific concerns or legal guidance on drafting a police report or pursuing a case of Attempted Murder, consultation with legal professionals (prosecutors, lawyers) or qualified PNP officers is recommended.