Cop tagged in fiscal’s murder now in custody

MANILA, Philippines — One of the policemen facing charges for the murder of Quezon City assistant city prosecutor Rogelio Velasco was placed under restrictive custody.

Chief Superintendent Joselito Esquivel Jr., Quezon City Police District director, said yesterday they have started an investigation for the filing of administrative charges against Police Officer 3 Arthur Lucy, assigned at the QCPD Station 6, who could be dismissed from the service for grave misconduct.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) filed murder charges against Lucy and two other policemen, Senior Police Officer 2 Rodante Lalimarmo and Police Officer 1 Jose Mercado.

Esquivel said they are checking their roster if the other two policemen are also with the QCPD.

“The QCPD commends the Bureau as the case is now considered closed and solved,” Esquivel said in a statement.

Velasco was driving his Toyota Innova when assailants in another vehicle shot him in Barangay Holy Spirit on May 11.

Esquivel earlier said Velasco’s killing could be work-related since he handled several drug cases filed by the police.