Fiscal recalls shooting incident

CEBU, Philippines - Assistant City Prosecutor Ma Theresa Casiño yesterday recalled the shooting rampage in court that left her seriously injured and three others dead two months ago.

Speaking to reporters during a spontaneous interview at the Office of the City Prosecutor, Casiño narrated what happened last January 22 after she was shot by Pope, a Canadian living in Cebu City who was facing a string of cases.

Pope had earlier shot two people before shooting her in the head then taking his own life.

Casiño said she did not realize she had been shot but thought she was having a stroke or an aneurysm.

“I remained conscious from the court to the hospital. In fact, I heard someone saying fiscal was shot…call an ambulance,” she said.

After that incident, Casiño said she asked herself “why me, why I was shot when I did nothing to Pope.”

She added if Pope was alive, she will ask him why he did it.  As for now, Casiño said she cannot say that she has fully forgiven Pope.

“I cannot say I forgive him one hundred percent this time,” she said.

Love

Casiño said love kept her alive. She said while she was in the hospital it was the love she had for her family, relatives, friends, co-workers and many people that kept her going.  With that, she thanked all the people for their prayers and love.

“Thank you all, who supported, who cared and showed love. It really touched us and my family… those who approached us and say ‘how was fiscal? We prayed for her and offered a Mass’… that’s really something.  Thank you,” Casiño said teary-eyed.

Work

Casiño said she does not know when she will be able to go back to work.  She still has to undergo therapy thrice a week as the left half of her body remains numb.

She said she was looking forward to report and stand before the judge saying “Good morning you’re Honor, respectfully appearing for the state.”

She said her family knows how much she loves her job and how passionate she is.

Well-wishers placed posters and balloons in her cubicle at the Office of the City Prosecutor and Assistant City Prosecutor Jose Nathaniel Andal performed a song composed for her.  Many co-workers said the incident had not ruined her good looks.

Other victims of Pope were Dr. Rene Rafols and lawyer Jubian Achas.  The two were killed inside the sala of Municipal Trial Court Branch 6 Judge Pamela Baring-Uy. 

Rafols had filed a criminal case against Pope for malicious mischief. (FREEMAN)