Martinez wants police chief replaced

CEBU, Philippines - Bogo City Mayor Celestino Martinez Jr. is asking Cebu Provincial Police Director Erson Digal to replace Supt. Julian Entoma, the newly-appointed chief of the Bogo police.

In a letter sent through his lawyer, Frank Malilong, Martinez said he is not in favor of Entoma’s appointment and that he intends to exercise his right to choose the chief of police for the town.

Digal confirmed receipt of Martinez’ letter and explained that Entoma was only designated as officer-in-charge of the Bogo police, not as police chief.

Entoma was transferred to Bogo after a revamp implemented by the Cebu Provincial Police Office. He was the former chief of police of Toledo City.

Martinez said he would not pick out a police chief himself, but would choose from the five names recommended by CPPO.

Meanwhile, a criminal complaint for murder was filed yesterday against the suspect in the killing of a political supporter of the Martinezes in Santa Fe, Bantayan Island.

Santa Fe police chief Jaime Santillan filed the murder complaint before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office against Antonio Garcia Ofril of sitio Tingtingon, Barangay Maricaban.

At least three witnesses, including a nine-year-old boy, executed affidavits pointing to Ofril as the alleged gunman who killed Cruzpito Batiancila 7pm on January 17.

Batiancila’s sister, Vernicita Viajedor, said they were having a conversation in the kitchen with Batiancila and several kids when Ofril appeared and shot the victim from behind. Ofril was reportedly wearing a black jacket and short pants.

Viajedor said that because of fear, she immediately left the scene, especially after seeing her brother fall on the bamboo bed with blood oozing from his mouth and nose.

The suspect fled from the crime scene in full view of the nine-year-old witness who described him to the police.

Another witness also saw the suspect rode a motorcycle which was traced under his name.

Digal said the suspect is Batiancila’s neighbor and that personal grudge was reportedly the motive of the killing. Ofril remains at large.

“Nagsige pa mi og check sa background aning suspect sa pagkakaron pero paningkamutan jud namo nga madakpan ra ni namo,” Digal said. — Gabriel C. Bonjoc and Fred P. Languido/JMO   (FREEMAN NEWS)