CEBU, Philippines — A policeman from the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) was shot dead in Cebu City shortly before noon yesterday just as he stopped at a red light in front of the Plaza Independencia.
The Homicide Section of the Cebu City Police Office identified the victim as PO2 Kenneth Pogoy. He reportedly came from a hearing when waylaid by still unidentified gunmen also on board a motorcycle.
SPO3 Rommel Bancog, the investigator assigned to the case, said it is possible that the gunmen tailed Pogoy and just waited for the right timing to kill him.
“Posible gyud ni nga ga-tailing ni kay gihuwat ra ang higayon, sa stoplight, usa ni siya gipusil,” Bancog said.
A civilian identified as Edward Hinampas was hit during the shooting. Hinampas is now safe but Pogoy did not make it alive to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center.
Bancog said it was also possible that Pogoy fired back, as a bullet from a 9 mm firearm, believed to be the cop’s service firearm, was recovered from the crime scene. Also recovered from the scene was a bullet from a .45 caliber pistol.
Supt. Ryan Devaras, chief of the Investigation and Detective Management Branch (IDMB), said they are eyeing work and personal grudge as possible motives in the killing.
“Personal grudge because part sa amo trabaho, whether we like it or not, as a police officer, makakita gyud mi og kontra because implementing the law makes us vulnerable. Work-related pud because as a police operative, most probably hearing sa drug cases, but gitan-aw pa nato,” he said.
While there is no need to create a special investigation team, CCPO chief, Senior Supt. Joel Doria, ordered his men to dig deeper into the incident.
“Usual investigation lang. Pinapahanap na natin lahat ng possible evidence na pwede makatulong,” Doria said.
Senior Supt. Jonathan Abella, chief of the Regional Personnel and Human Resources Development Division, said Pogoy used to work in Cebu City as a member of the Pari-an Police Station. He was transferred to ARMM on August 17, 2016.
Senior Supt. Remos Medina, chief of the Regional Intelligence Division, told The FREEMAN that Pogoy was transferred to ARMM allegedly due to his involvement in illegal drugs.
He was moved there a month after President Rodrigo Duterte assumed the presidency.
“He was transferred to PRO ARMM. Dun nga following sa alleged involvement niya sa drugs, pero other than that, wala na akong confirmation kasi marami ang nasa listahan. We have to check it out first,” he said.
Meanwhile, a police errand man was shot dead while walking in Sudlon, Lahug, also in Cebu City last Monday night.
The victim was identified as Sonny Ronquillo, a native of Mindanao.
Investigation revealed that the suspect walked alongside Ronquillo and even held the victim’s shoulder before pulling a gun and shooting the Ronquillo in the head three times.
“Dako ang posibilidad nga kaila ra gyod ni sila sa suspect. Ang amo sad pagtuo nga gisundan ni siya,” said Senior PO1 Winston Ybañez, the investigator assigned to the case. - Mae Clydyl L. Avila (FREEMAN)