4 cops sacked over OFW’s slay

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines – Four police officers in Cavite have been relieved from their posts in connection with the killing of an overseas Filipino worker, whose body was found with gunshot wounds in Tanza.

Police Officers 2 Yves Luyun and Emerson de Ocampo and PO1s Edgardo Fontanilla and Hernan Romanes, all of the Tanza police, were sacked on Wednesday for the death of Mark Anthony Culata.

Town police chief Superintendent Geovanny Sibalo said a team has been formed to investigate Culata’s case.

Sibalo said probers are eyeing drugs and love triangle as possible motives for the killing.

Romanes’ partner was allegedly Culata’s former girlfriend.

The victim’s body bore several gunshot wounds and signs of torture when found in Barangay Lambingan on Sept. 9. A cardboard labeled “pusher ako (I am a pusher)” was found beside the body.

Police recovered several bullet shells and a black bag allegedly containing shabu at the scene.

Hours before the victim was found, Culata and three of his companions were seen in a car at a checkpoint.

Police arrested them for traffic violation.

The four were taken to the police station and were released later without any charges filed against them.

A witness allegedly saw Culata and his companions near a house of a drug trafficker.

Culata’s family denied he was involved in any illegal drug activity.

His mother Eva has asked the National Bureau of Investigation to investigate the case.