Murder charges readied vs cop, wife

For dismembering colleague

MANILA, Philippines — Murder charges are being readied against a police officer and his wife for the killing of their colleague, whose dismembered body was found buried at their property in Baguio City on Thursday.

Lt. Col. Rhoderick Pascua and his wife, who is also a police officer with a rank of executive master sergeant, are detained at the Taguig City police detention cell.

Pascua reportedly caught his wife and Executive M/Sgt. Emmanuel de Asis in their apartment at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig on Nov. 28.

Pascua reportedly shot dead De Asis, asked his wife to get a hacksaw and chopped the victim’s body into pieces.

Probers have yet to recover the hacksaw.

De Asis’ dismembered body was found buried in a property owned by Pascua’s family in Barangay Pucsusan in Baguio.

Maj. Hazel Asilo, spokesperson for the Southern Police District, said Pascua’s wife would be included in the charges because she appeared to have conspired with her husband in killing and dismembering De Asis.

As this developed, De Asis’ family scheduled a public viewing of his remains at Camp Karingal in Quezon City.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has yet to issue a statement on the incident.

While the PNP has remained silent on the issue, the Puerto Princesa City police in Palawan, where De Asis was assigned, said it would seek justice for the killing of its member.

The Puerto Princesa City police said it would closely work with investigators until justice is obtained. It said De Asis was a dedicated and hardworking officer.

“De Asis’ service and sacrifices will not be forgotten. We will honor his legacy by upholding the principles of justice and accountability,” the city police said. — Christine Boton