Cop faces homicide charge for shooting drunk man

CEBU, Philippines – A criminal complaint for homicide was filed yesterday against a police officer for shooting to death an intoxicated man who allegedly grabbed his identification card after he introduced himself as a cop in Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City last Wednesday.

PO2 Japheth Malima, a resident of the area and assigned at the Tourist Action Center of the Cebu City Police Office is facing homicide complaint before the City Prosecutor's Office for killing Ferdinand Inot, 38, while the policeman was responding to an alarm on persons creating trouble in their area.

The case is being handled by 2nd Assistant City Prosecutor Liceria Rabillas, who said that the policeman waived his right and the case is now pending for reso-lution. She also said that the case will possibly be elevated in court today if the police officers who filed the homicide charge can submit the lacking documents, which include the certificate of confinement and death certificate of Inot.

In an affidavit executed by Victor Biarcal, 46, elder brother of Inot and a resident of Sitio Lapu-Lapu, Barangay Suba, Danao City stated that was at work in Dongo-an, Danao City, when he received a text messages from his daughter informing that his brother was shot and died on spot.

He said that after receiving the information, he then proceeded to Banilad, Mandaue City where the dead body of his brother lies.

In his affidavit, PSI Sandley Sabang, chief of Tourist Assistance Center, said that around 3 a.m. of August 18, he was in their house when he received a call that Malima was involved in a shooting incident.

Malima was confined at Cebu City Medical Center for an injury in the head and stomach and admitted to Sabang that he shot Inot and likewise surrendered his issued firearm, a caliber 9 mm berretta and its magazine.

Sabang immediately turned over the firearm of Malima to the Homicide investigating personnel of CCPO for further investigation while the police officer was transferred to Chong Hua Hospital for further treatment.

Malima was trying to pacify a neighborhood fight and approached a group of persons and showed his wallet that contained his police ID. However, instead of heeding, one of Inot's companions, Edwin Lastimoso, grabbed his ID and ran while the others ganged up on him and stabbed him.

But the victim's family and some witnesses denied Malima's statement that he tried to pacify a fight among Inot's group.

Wounded, Malima allegedly pulled out his pistol and repeatedly shot Inot.

Meanwhile, Lastimoso is also facing a criminal case for theft before the Regional Trial Court for grabbing the ID of Malima.

Rabillas recommended P8, 000 for Lastimoso's temporary liberty. (FREEMAN)