Kin of masiao suspect plan to sue policemen

CEBU, Philippines - The relatives of the masiao coordinator who died after a police raid said they plan to file a case against the policemen who went to enforce a search warrant on their house in Badian town on Valentine’s Day.

Maridel Velos Navarro, the older sister of Richelo “Boboy” Velos said when the raid was going on Nelia Velos, the wife of Richelo, Nelia, was the first caught by the police after her left leg got entangled on a fish net when she ran to hide.

A policeman allegedly drove his knee into her abdomen, forcing her to call for help.

“Nara man diay kang buanga ka, sige dagan ron kay pusilon tika buanga ka,” Navarro quoted a policeman as saying to Richelo after he allegedly came out of hiding to help his wife.

Navarro added that although she did not see it, she heard what sounded like a man being beaten and his brother begging policemen not to beat him up because he had asthma.

“Drama-drama dayun ka,” Navarro further quoted policemen as saying.

“Gibinaklid nila ug gapos ang akong igsuon. Mura gyud ug baboy ang akong igsuon nga ilang giguyud ug didto na gyud mi kakita kay hayag naman ang ubos,” Navarro said.

Richelo was later taken to a hospital because he had difficulty breathing but died before he could get there.

Navarro also admitted that his brother was involved in masiao as a coordinator.

“Maayo gani kay dili shabu ang baligya ug dili sad manulis. Daghan paman gani ang naguol kay buotan gud ning akong igsuon,” Navarro said.

They already requested the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct an autopsy of the body of Richelo. The Provincial Investigation Detection and Management Branch is also investigating the incident.

Navarro also said prior to the incident the couple talked about buying a multicab because he already has P70,000. The money was allegedly gone from his pocket after Richelo died.

The relatives also want to know the names of the policemen who raided their house to file a case against them because based on the police blotter only Chief Insp. Ma. Elma delos Santos was identified.– Christopher Gabriel Bonjoc/BRP   (THE FREEMAN)