Cop faces frustrated murder raps

CEBU – A policeman in Bantayan Island who allegedly tried to pacify a group of people who mauled his cousin ended up facing a criminal complaint for frustrated murder together with the suspects.

Glen Espina filed the complaint before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office against his cousin PO3 Mickie Espina, Joebert Baruc alias “Jovy”, Marvin Valendez, Michael Valendez alias “Landang”, Romeo Baruc, Noel Baruc, Cristito Delantar, Israel Desierto Jr., Vergilio Espina and a certain “Negro” Espina.

The complainant was assisted by the chief of police of Bantayan Melquiades Seares Jr.

Glen alleged that he was in sitio Suba-Suba, barangay Doong, Bantayan at about 8:30 p.m. last September 29 when Jovy struck him with a rock while his policeman cousin pistol-whipped him with his gun and the others took turns mauling him.

Glen admitted that his cousin only tried to pacify a commotion between him and the other respondents. As he was already raising his both hands somebody struck him from the back prompting him to pick a rock and throw it, hitting his cousin’s face.

However, a 15-year-old boy who was in a nearby videoke bar when the incident happened said it was not the policeman who struck Glen with a gun.

The witness said he saw Glen mauled by the group of Jovy and that it was Vergilio and Landang who allegedly struck the victim with a gun and a rock, respectively.

The witness said that he later heard two gunshots and saw Mickie coming to end the fight. But despite the testimony of the witness, the policeman was included in the complaint. — Fred P. Languido/BRP (THE FREEMAN)