Cop, 7 others charged for Palawan lawyer’s slay

MANILA, Philippines — Eight more persons, including a police officer, have been charged in connection with the killing of  lawyer  Eric Jay Magcamit in Narra, Palawan last week.

Senior M/Sgt. Ariel Pareja, Marcelino Quoyo and six John Does were charged with murder before the provincial prosecutor’s office on Wednesday, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Debold Sinas said yesterday.

“Administrative charges are also being prepared against Pareja,” Sinas said.

Pareja was placed under restrictive custody at the Palawan provincial police office.

One of the alleged gunman, former soldier and casual employee at the Quezon municipal government Jazer Ray del Rosario, had earlier been charged with murder. He was arrested at his hideout in Barangay Alfonso 13 on Sunday.

Sinas said Pareja worked as a bodyguard for Quoyo, who is involved in a land dispute case where Magcamit served as a lawyer for the other party.

Magcamit was driving his Toyota Innova on his way to a court hearing when he was shot in Barangay Malinao.

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) welcomed the filing of charges against the suspects.

“We appreciate and commend the swift action and all those who helped bring the murderers before the bar of justice,” the IBP said in a statement.

The IBP said it is working for similar results in the case of Joey Luis Wee who was shot dead while walking to his office in Cebu City on Monday. – Robertzon Ramirez