Cop stabbed dead by ‘drug addict’

CEBU, Philippines — An off-duty police officer was stabbed to death by a suspected drug user whom he admonished to stop his illegal activities in Sitio Kulo, Barangay Pajac, Lapu-Lapu City Sunday evening.

The victim was identified as Police Officer 3 Alcestes Roxas, 40, assigned at the Aviation Security Unit-7 based in Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Roxas suffered several stab wounds to different parts of his body.

Mactan Police Station 2 chief Wayne Magbanua identified the suspect as Angelito Malinao, 22. His father Domingo Lumongsod Jr. was also arrested.

Prior to the stabbing incident, Roxas allegedly scolded Malinao for using illegal drugs. The suspect reported what had happened to his father, who immediately came to confront the police officer. A heated argument and a fistfight ensued, resulting in Malinao stabbing Roxas several times.

Roxas was rushed to a nearby hospital in Lapu-Lapu City but he was declared dead on arrival. The suspects were also arrested by the responding police officers.

Lapu-Lapu City Police Office director Senior Supt. Lemuel Obon said the victim was just doing his job as police officer.

Malinao and his father who are now detained at the LCPO headquarters said they were sorry for what happened. Malinao claimed he did it in self-defense because of fear that the victim might use his firearm to shoot him and his father.

“Nagbasol ko,” Malinao said.

Malinao said he went out to buy chips from a nearby store where Roxas and his friends allegedly had drinking session. He said the police officer allegedly called him out and hit him in the face, prompting him to report it to his father.

“Igo ra ko nilabay, nipalit og chichirya. Nahibong ko nga gitawag ko, katong higayona gitamparos ko niya,” Malinao said.

The father said he did not have an intention to fight the cop. He claimed that his purpose of going out was to talk to Roxas but the policeman allegedly punched him before he could say a word.

“Wala koy plano (dunggabon siya). Gihilabtan man (niya) ako papa, basin pusilon ba,” Malinao said.

Police Regional Office-7 director Chief Supt. Debold Sinas said that what happened to Roxas is an example of how dangerous a drug addict can be.

“This is a glaring example nga bisag user sitaon nimo delikado, mao na ang police mag-amping gyud,” Sinas said.

Because of what happened to Roxas, Sinas has directed all personnel to immediately bring to the nearest police station all accosted drug suspects.

“Kung gidala pa lang to sa opisina unya gikapkapan, ma-prevent unta to,” Sinas said.

He said the PRO-7 will give financial assistance to the family of the police officer.

The police are preparing murder charges against Malinao and his father. (FREEMAN)