DOJ clears 3 cops tagged in QC fiscal’s murder

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has cleared three police officers tagged in the killing of Quezon City deputy prosecutor Rogelio Velasco in May last year.

In a 36-page resolution promulgated on May 8 but released only yesterday, the DOJ dismissed for lack of evidence the murder charges filed by Velasco’s family and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) against Senior M/Sgt. Rodante Lalimarmo, S/ Sgt. Arthur Lucy and Pat. Jose Mercado.

After preliminary investigation, Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Peter Ong rejected the witnesses’ testimonies, which he found to be “unbelievable, if not coached.”

“The complainants should not rely on speculations to support their case. Mere probabilities cannot substitute for proof required to establish the guilt of an accused beyond reasonable doubt,” read the resolution.

The DOJ cited inconsistencies in the testimonies of witnesses Angelita Fermano and Gil Cuaro, who said that Velasco’s van was cut off twice by the suspects’ vehicle near the Philcoa area and Tandang Sora flyover.

“It was impossible for the two vehicles to be traveling on the same lane along Commonwealth Avenue and for one to cut the other’s way,” the DOJ pointed out.

The DOJ also rejected the closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage presented by the NBI supposedly showing the alleged ambush at Quezon City Memorial Circle parking lot.

The DOJ said the license plate number of the vehicle and the suspects’ faces were unclear in the CCTV footage.

Ong said the NBI submitted the surveillance footage to support the theory of animosity between Mercado and Velasco.

Velasco was hearing the case of Mercado’s brother, Edgardo Lunar, who had been charged with possession of illegal firearms and drugs.

Velasco was in his red Toyota Innova along Holy Spirit Drive in Barangay Holy Spirit when he was ambushed by unidentified assailants.

The NBI believed that Velasco’s killing could be work-related.  

The policemen claimed that they do not know each other, so it was impossible for them to conspire in killing the prosecutor.