BY AARON RECUENCO
The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed on Monday that the “missing” police sergeant who was tagged as holding key information regarding the death of a journalist in Dumaguete City three months ago was re-assigned to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
PNP chief Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa said Police Executive Master Sgt. Reuel Pinero is currently undergoing a mandatory 14-day quarantine protocol before he is allowed to go on duty.
“He is well and alive in the NCRPO where he is assigned,” said Gamboa.
The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS), in a press release issued on August 15, tagged Pinero as one of the Persons of Interest (POI) in connection with the death of dyMD Energy GFM broadcaster Rex Cornelio who was gunned down in front of his house in Dumaguete City on May 5.
In the statement, the PTFoMS stated that Pinero was picked up by ranking officials of the PNP before he could spill the beans regarding the death of Cornelio. It claimed that a video showing Pinero boarding a helicopter with some police officials is now circulating in social media.
“We have very strong reasons to believe that Pinero is now in the hands of the higher PNP officials and for that, we will seek a clarification from the PNP leadership,” PTFoMS Executive Director and Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco said in a statement.
Aside from Pinero, another policeman who is also considered as a Person of Interest in Cornelio killing is also missing. (Aaron Recuenco)
