The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) identified at least 19 policemen who were involved in the fatal shooting incident inside the prison cell that killed Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa and suspected drug personality Raul Yap last weekend.
DILG Secretary Ismael Sueno identified the cops as P/Supt. Santi Noel G. Matira, Designated Supervisor; P/Chief Insp. Leo D. Laraga, Team Leader; PSInsp. Deogracias Diaz III, Assistant Team Leader; P/SInsp. Fritz Blanco, Asst. Team Leader; SPO4 Juanito Duarte; SPO4 Melvin Cayobit; SPO2 Benjamin Dacallos; SPO2 Alphinor Serrano Jr.; PO3 Jhonny Ibanez; PO3 Norman Abellanosa; PO1 Bernard Orpilla; PO1 Lloyd Ortiguesa; and PO1 Jerlan Cabiyaan.
All of them are from the CIDG region 8 office.
The rest who are members of the Regional Maritime Unit were P/Chief Insp. Calixto C. Canillas, Team Leader; P/SInsp. Lucrecito A. Candilosas, Asst. Team Leader; SPO2 Antonio R. Docil; SPO1 Mark Christian C. Cadilo; PO2 Jhon Ruel Ducolan; and PO2 Jaime P. Bacsal.
They are now being investigated by the Philippine National Police Internal Affairs Service (PNP-IAS).
Sueno said the PNP-IAS is also looking into probing the involvement of the Maritime Group Region 8 Chief given the unclear basis of their involvement in the operation.
“We welcome the investigations being conducted by other agencies and bodies because more than anyone else, we want to get to the bottom of this incident so we can carry out the necessary actions,” said Sueno.
Meanwhile, IAS chief Leo Angelo Leuterio assured the public that “in the conduct of this impartial and independent investigation, all PNP personnel found to have violated police operational procedures shall immediately face charges and recommendation of outright dismissal from service.” (CHITO A. CHAVEZ)
