On Thursday’s probe regarding Albuera Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa’s killing, Senator Ralph Recto asked the police officials as to who shot the late mayor.
To this question, Supt. Marvin Marcos, who was the head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Eastern Visayas (CIDG-8), answered it was not him.
When asked again, Chief Inspector Leo Laraga replied that it was him who shot Espinosa.
According to the Medico Legal of the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO), Espinosa had four gunshot wounds from the encounter: two on the chest and two on the abdomen.
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Laraga disclosed, however, that the “main target” of the raid was Yap due to his illegal drug transactions inside jail. He also disclosed that SPO4 Juanito Duarte was the one who shot Yap.
The two were also relieved of their posts by Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Ronald Dela Rosa due to their involvement in Espinosa’s killing.
An official statement was released by Dela Rosa during the probe that the 24 sacked officials “are now reassigned at the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit in Camp Crame” and will be facing investigations led by the Internal Affairs Service and the CIDG.
However, Senator Panfilo Lacson found several loopholes in the police officials’ testimonies which “reinforced” the suspicion that this was a case of extrajudicial killing.
“As of now, may mga indications na talagang ‘yung operation, hindi maayos, meaning kanina nakapagbitaw ako ng salita na mukhang premeditated,” Lacson expressed. He adds, “Kasi ang telling doon, ‘yung why would they call SOCO at a time na hindi pa sila nakakapasok and ‘yung telltale sign na ginamit yung search warrant para magkaroon ng semblance na legitimate yung operation.”
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It was discovered during the hearing that Supt. Santi Noel Matira, the supervising officer then, had requested for a SOCO team at 3:49 a.m. However, during Marcos’ presentation, it was disclosed that they were only able to enter the premises at 4:30 a.m.
A number of the members who were present during the hearing pointed out the “inconsistencies” in the CIDG-8 officials’ testimonies.
Lacson believes that drug lord Kerwin, Espinosa’s son, is the missing piece who will complete the puzzle.
Sources: (cnnphilippines.com, gmanetwork.com)
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