Cop braces for charges over ex-convict's death

In anticipation of possible criminal charges against him for the killing of an ex-convict, PO3 Jerome Java yesterday prepared the affidavits of his witnesses to support his claim that it was a legitimate encounter leading to the death of Alemar Luna.

Java yesterday brought to the Cebu City Prosecutor's Office three witnesses, including his live-in partner Filomena Caintapan, to execute an affidavit.

The two other witnesses, whose names were withheld for security reasons, are reportedly cousins of Luna.

Assistant city prosecutor Fernando Gubalane, who subscribed the affidavits of Java's witnesses, said the police officer was just preparing his defense in anticipation of a possible case against him.

Luna's family had sought the assistance from the National Bureau of Investigation to look into the incident.

The NBI has already invited some witnesses but could not yet reveal any information whether or not their statements jived with that of Java's witnesses.

The three witnesses to Luna's killing did a re-enactment in sitio Eskwelahan, barangay Buhisan after they executed an affidavit at the Homicide Section yesterday morning.

In their affidavit, the witnesses claimed to have seen Luna greet Java in his house in barangay Buhisan in the evening of December 26 and subsequently shoot him using a .45 cal. pistol.

But the gun reportedly misfired, prompting the policeman to get his 12-gauge shotgun and shot Luna in the forehead.

Homicide chief Mario Monilar has called on other witnesses to come forward, adding that they would verify reports that prior to the incident, Luna had threatened to kill Java.

Luna had earlier suspected that Java was one of those responsible in the July ambush in which he sustained 14 gunshot wounds.

Monilar said the three witnesses have shown no biases in their affidavit. - Fred P. Languido and Norvie S. Misa