Carlos orders deep probe into Cebu cops’ role in rob-slay case
PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief General Dionardo B. Carlos yesterday ordered the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO7) headed by Brigadier Gen. Roque Edgardo Vega to launch a full investigation into a robbery-slay case in San Fernando, Cebu last February 13 which left a local barangay councilor and her husband dead.
The incident triggered an outcry after 4 local policemen and an ex-cop were linked to the killing of village councilor Ma. Louela Barangui-an and her husband Pedro inside their residence in Bgy. Panadtaran in San Fernando municipality.
Before she was killed, the barangay official had already filed her candidacy for town councilor in the May 9 local election. She and her husband suffered gunshot wounds in their bodies and died on the spot.
Brig. Gen. Vega said that 4 active policemen he identified as Staff Sergeants Rene Catamora, Junrey Ypil, and Junrey Batobalonos; Master Sgt. Alvin Enad and ex-police SSgt. Esmeraldo Quillosa has been charged in court in connection with the killing of the couple.
The official said all but Enad have been accounted for by his men.
SSgt. Catamora last February 18 surrendered to the PRO7 headquarters in Cebu City and turned over a blue Nissan Navara which is said to have been used as a getaway vehicle after the robbery-slay incident.
SSgt. Ypil surrendered to the Cebu Police Provincial Office while Batobalonos surrendered to the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office.
On the other hand, Quilosa turned himself over to officials of the San Fernando Municipal Police Station.
Brig. Gen. Vega said that charges for robbery with double homicide have been filed against the suspects before the local prosecutor’s office.
“Criminal charges were already filed against the police officers. The quick response of our investigators shows that we don’t have a habit of protecting scalawags in the organization. They will have their day in court. Meanwhile, our Internal Service Affairs will also conduct an investigation of the active police personnel,” Gen. Carlos said.
The PNP chief, however, said that the San Fernando, Cebu case should not create a sweeping generalization of the entire organization.
“The PNP maintains a high standard of integrity as a law enforcer. We respond to allegations against rogue cops and we recognize the good deeds and achievements of our personnel. We ask the public to sustain the confidence that you have built for your police officers,” Gen. Carlos said.
