Policeman faces arrest

CEBU, Philippines - The court has ordered the arrest of a police officer charged with homicide because of his failure to appear in the arraignment of his case.

RTC Branch 16 Judge Sylvia Paderanga issued a bench warrant against SPO2 Cresente Dacillo after he failed to appear yesterday.

Dacillo was supposed to be arraigned in the homicide case he was charged over the death of street vendor Primo Gallego, Jr. in Sitio Upper Laguna Ciwac, Barangay Bulacao, Cebu City last March.

Paderanga also ordered Dacillo to “show cause” within 30 days why his bail bond should not be forfeited in favor of the government.

The private complainant was subpoenaed by the court for the next scheduled arraignment on August 17.

Meanwhile, assistant city prosecutor Gandhi Truya yesterday manifested in court to have the case reinvestigated. Truya said a new witness has appeared before his office claiming that the supposed firearm owned by the victim was planted.

“Two weeks after the Information (charge sheet) was signed, a witness appeared before the office and said the pistol found beside the body of the victim was allegedly planted,” Truya said.

Truya said during the investigation the witness did not appear in his office.

“With the testimony of the witness we intent to make it murder or make it appear that there is intimidation and treachery and we’re asking for reinvestigation of the case,” he said.

Melvin Ebrado, who witnessed the shooting to death of Gallego on March 19, said that the victim only bought sardines in the sari-sari store of the accused. Ebrado said the victim was called by the accused and shot him twice without any provocation.

Ebrado said the victim did not have a gun contrary to Dacillo’s claim that he only acted in self defense when he shot Gallego dead.

A caliber .38 revolver was found near Gallego’s body which Dacillo claimed the victim used in trying to shoot him. — (FREEMAN)