Ex-cop seeks protection over alleged murder plot

CEBU - A former policeman has sought refuge with the court over a supposed murder plot against him, which allegedly involves two ranking police officials and a non-commissioned officer.

Former policeman Marlon Sano Sarmiento filed a petition for a Writ of Amparo against Sr. Supt. Jesus Gaquing, Sr., Police Senior Insp. Ceferino Tabay, Jr. and PO3 Andy Nonong of the regional police office.

The Writ of Amparo is a remedy available to any person whose right to life, liberty and security is violated or threatened by an unlawful act or omission of a public official or employee, individual, or entity. 

The writ covers extra-judicial killings, enforced disappearances and also threats.

Sarmiento, who has since fought legal battles against the respondents, alleged that sometime last July, he was threatened that he will not live until next year.

The threat allegedly worsened when two men on board a motorcycle reportedly tailed them when he and his brother went to see a lawyer sometime in September. 

They reportedly spotted the two men when they went out of the office of lawyer Eugene Orbita in barangay Capitol Site.

The unidentified men reportedly carried guns and were consistently looking at them.

Sarmiento said he does not know of any other adversary except the respondents whom he has sued before the city prosecutor’s office and the Ombudsman.

Tabay, through lawyer Noel Archival, asked the court to dismiss Sarmiento’s petition for lack of merit. Tabay said the petition is just a “product of his wild imagination.”

“This weapon cannot just simply be availed of on the basis only of assumption,” Tabay said. — Fred P. Languido/JMO (THE FREEMAN)