Slain Alcoy police chief laid to rest

CEBU, Philippines - It was an emotional day yesterday for family members and the Philippine National Police as Police Inspector Crisanto Abella, the slain Alcoy chief, was laid to his final rest past 11 a.m. at the Calamba Cemetery.

Upon the arrival of his casket at the cemetery, which was carried by 10 officers with the rank of inspectors, police officers saluted as they lined up the path where he was to be buried. The Cebu Provincial Police Office’s band played the marching tune.

The regional chaplain, Superintendent Arnulfo Castillo, offered prayers for Abella’s repose.

The CCPO Special Weapons and Tactics offered a 12-gun salute for the slain officer while the officers folded the Philippine flag which was given to his mother.

Abella’s family all wore white and released white balloons after the ceremony.

Cris Abella, the elder brother of the slain police officer, said that with the arrest of the man who killed his brother, justice has been ‘slightly’ served.

“Pasalamat lang mi sa tanang mga pamilya, amigo, sa kapolisan sa Cebu, nga miduyog sa among kasubo. Mora’g naa nay gamay (nga hustisya) kay naa na may suspect. Ang amo lang nga ampo lang me sa Ginoo nga mahupay among kaguol,” Abella’s older brother said.

Abella was shot dead by a barangay councilman, also a former policeman, after an argument at the covered court of Barangay Poblacion, Alcoy, on August 24.

Inspector Julius Ompad, Barili Police Station chief, said that their job as police officers, whether as commissioned or non-commissioned officers, will always face risks including dying in line of duty.

“Pagpanumpa namo isip pulis kaluha na ni namo nga moabot ni o mosangpot gyud mi sa ingon ana,” Ompad said.

“Ang among gilauman nga unta matagaan og hustisya ang iyang kamatayon,” Ompad added.

Ompad and Abella were classmates when they applied for a promotion in 2010 through lateral entry.

Senior Superintendent Noel Gillamac, director of CPPO, said in a telephone interview that they will help Abella’s family get justice.  (FREEMAN)