Airman faces raps for killing cop

MANILA, Philippines - An airman will be charged with murder in court for allegedly shooting a Malabon policeman in a videoke bar two months ago.

Malabon-Navotas Prosecutor Jorge Catalan Jr. approved yesterday the recommendation of Assistant City Prosecutor Lemuel Nobleza to file murder charges against Airman First Class Regie Pobre for the killing of Police Officer 3 Randy Francisco.

No bail was recommended, though Pobre is currently in the custody of his military superior, 1Lt. Nino Ely Espinola, commander of the 751st Civil Military Operations Squadron based in Camp Aguinaldo.

Pobre was also charged with frustrated murder for causing injuries to Francisco’s cousin, Nelson Palero.

Prosecutors found no probable cause in the case of Airman First Class Mark Santiago, who was involved in the same incident.

Pobre and Santiago belong to the Air Force’s 710th Special Operations Wing based in Tonsuya, Malabon.

In his resolution, Nobleza said the statements of the accused indicated Pobre’s preparedness and anticipation for violent confrontation (with the victims).

He is awaiting a court order to commit him to the Malabon City Jail, though Espinola promised to present Pobre and Santiago for court or police proceedings.

Espinola said the two men are still under investigation for violating the Articles of War in relation to the shooting.