Suspect in cop's shooting arrested

CEBU, Philippines - The man held responsible for shooting PO1 Antonio Icalina, the policeman who was found shot in both knees in Sitio Mohon, Barangay Langtad, Naga City, last May, was arrested during a buy-bust operation in Sitio Mohon Sunday evening.

Operatives of the Provincial Intelligence Branch headed by Supt. Rodolfo Albotra arrested Edwin “Liki” Embolodi, 26.

Also arrested were Carmelito Villarin, 26; Romaldo Tangke, 19; Alimar Tabucal, 18; Genesis Cantina, 21; and Warren Tabucal, 24, all of the same barangay, after they were found sniffing shabu in the chicken farm owned by Embolodi.

Confiscated from Embolodi were four large packs and seven medium packs of shabu amounting to P10,000, two cellular phones, a Para Ordnance .45 cal. pistol, a .45 cal. magazine, 11 bullets, lighters, drug paraphernalia, P6,200 cash believed to be drug money and a P500 bill police used as marked money.

Albotra said they have been monitoring Embolodi after they received information about his involvement in shooting Icalina, 30.

Right after the transaction, Embolodi was arrested by the operatives. Embolodi admitted that he shot Icalina to dissuade the policeman from collecting money from him and other drug pushers.

“Iyang gibuhat sige ug harass unya mangayo ug kwarta kato ako patagam ra to niya tungod sa akong kalagot,” Embolodi said.

He also said Icalina allegedly went there every Friday and Saturday to collect money from drug pushers and made at least P600 a day.

Cebu Provincial Police Office director Patrocinio Comendador said Embolodi’s admission will be used in the filing of charges against Icalina and to determine his presence in the barangay where he was found wounded.

“Ma-prove ra man na kung unsa gyud iyang purpose ngadto,” Comendador said.

Comendador had been receiving reports and tried to warn Icalina about his attitude but he reportedly turned down his advice.

Last May 21, Icalina was found lying near the highway, bloodied and almost unconscious after crawling some distance after he had been shot in both knees. Icalina said that five men mauled him and took his service firearm which they used to shoot him.

Embolodi will be facing charges for drugs and frustrated homicide.   - (THE FREEMAN)