3 cops probed for criminology grad’s slay

MANILA, Philippines - San Juan Mayor Guia Gomez yesterday ordered a probe on the killing of a criminology graduate allegedly by three anti-narcotics policemen in the city last week.

Gomez directed Senior Superintendent Job Marasigan, city police officer-in-charge, to place Police Officer 3 Jude Naraja and Police Officers 2 Bernard Locum and Jeovanni Barrientos under investigation.

The three policemen had been tagged in the murder of Michael Aday, 33, an alleged drug pusher. 

Marasigan said the lawmen have been disarmed and reassigned to the holding center of the Eastern Police District pending result of the investigation.

The mayor’s directive came after the victim’s family sought her help.

Gomez instructed Marasigan to file administrative and criminal charges against the police officers if warranted.

Reports said the three policemen, all detailed at the San Juan police anti-drug unit, arrived in Barangay San Perfecto at 3 a.m. last Saturday in a police car supposedly to conduct a sting operation against Aday.

Witnesses said the lawmen, who were reeking of liquor, tried to confiscate Aday’s motorcycle.

A heated argument ensued.Minutes later, Aday ran toward Venancio street and allegedly pulled out a gun, prompting the police officers to shoot him in the head.

He died while being taken to the hospital, police said.

Witnesses said the policemen left in haste after the shooting.

Marasigan said the drug sting was a legitimate police operation.