Cop's alleged killer charged

CEBU, Philippines - A suspected illegal drug user was charged with murder before the Regional Trial Court yesterday for allegedly killing a policeman in Sitio Mahayahay, Barangay Carreta last January.

Carlos Miñoza has been charged with murder after witnesses identified him as the one who killed PO1 Telesforo Hortelano by smashing the latter’s head with a rock last January 26.

A witness said that Hortelano was sleeping in the pavement of his house when Miñoza, who has been harboring grudges against him, struck the policeman’s head with a rock.

The policeman’s live-in partner, Evangeline Lagradilla said that last December 2008, the suspect, who is allegedly a known drug user, was told by Hortelano to stop his vices. She said the suspect got mad at the policeman and threatened to kill him.

Lagradilla added that a day after that, Miñoza went to their house, shouting and challenging Hortelano to a fight while brandishing a bolo. The suspect fled after Hortelano called the police for assistance.

A few days after, when Hortelano was alone in the house and was sleeping on the pavement, Miñoza allegedly got the chance to kill the victim.

A subpoena has been sent to the accused for the filing of his counter affidavit on the charges but no reply was made, thus the filing of the case. — Jasmin R. Uy/WAB (THE FREEMAN)