Dumpit buried in simple rites

CEBU, Philippines — A bemedalled cop during his prime, Senior Police Officer 1 Adonis Dumpit, was often admired by his colleagues and Cebuanos for his marksmanship.

Yet, during his burial rites, there was no colors or flair fit for an officer of his rank.

Instead the family took it to themselves to put a simple flag of the country to cover his coffin, while members of Cebu gun club left 20 empty shells in his death bed.

Norman Dumpit, 24, the policeman's son from his former wife Josephine Gabuya, whom he annulled on 2007, said that it is a tradition of the Cebu gun club members to leave empty shells to members who died.

Asked if he was saddened by the treatment of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 by not giving Dumpit honors during his burial nor benefits for the family, he said that the police may have reasons for doing so.

But, for him, Dumpit was a good father despite the accusations that the slain policeman was involved in illegal drugs.

"Di gyud na mausab ako pagtan-aw niya, wala ra namo nga wala siya'y benepisyo or retirement honors ilaha man sad nang patakaran," he said during the burial at the Carreta cemetery.

Norman was joined by 13 of Dumpit's adopted children, both from his mother Josephine Gabuya and live-in partner Maria Ella Amores.

Amores refused to grant an interview, but Gabuya, who he wedded in the '90s, and annulled on 2007, said that as long as they have properly laid the policeman to rest, then she is at peace.

She thanked those who relayed their sympathies.

"Gusto nakong pasalamatan ang katawhan sa ilang simpatiya nga gihatag ni Dumpit bisag wala'y honors gikan sa Philippine National Police (PNP). Ang Ginoo na ang bahala sa hustisya ngadto sa laing kalibutan," she said.

Gabuya, also extended her gratefulness to Cebu City Councilor Margot Osmeña and Mayor Tomas Osmeña for the support they have given after what happened.

Margot was seen handing over an envelope containing cash of undetermined amount to Gabuya during the interment rites.

"Pasalamatan nako tanan ilabi na si Margot Osmeña kay dako kayo ang tabang niya, gikan pa didto sa Bohol. Sa katawhan nga maoy naghatag namo og kaisog, atong iampo si Dumpit nga mahatagan og hustisya og kalinaw," she said.

Dumpit's older brother, Alaric, shared Gabuya's sentiments and expressed that Dumpit was not a drug lord. He said how they could be a drug lord and live in a bamboo house in Bohol.

"Di na siya drug lord.  Dili na drug lord ako igsuon.  Naa ba'y drug lord nga payag ang balay? Amakan, mao nay drug lord? Ug drug lord pa akong igsuon, mansion unta among balay," he said.

He also sees that justice for Dumpit seemed grim, as he thinks it would be useless.

"Mao gihapon makig-alayon mi, ma-useless gihapon kay ilaha man ang hustisya," he said.

Dumpit was killed in a gun battle with agents from NBI-7 Bohol District Office and PRO-7 Regional Special Operations Group on June 27, a few meters from his residence in Purok Uno, Dagohoy Road San Isidro District.

Allegedly he was transporting illegal drugs to his downliners.

Police showed 15 large packs of shabu allegedly from his possession, and a .38 caliber firearm, which was registered to Jessilou Cadungog, a former councilman in Cebu City.

Cadungog said he sold the firearm to Dumpit on Decemeber 11, 2017 for P20,000 which was paid in staggered method. He even presented a deed of sale to authorities in NBI-7.

The family cried it was overkill, But NBI-7 medico legal doctor Rene Cam says despite 14 gunshot wounds with three fatal shots by a long firearm in the head, there is no overkill based on the rules of engagement.

Dumpit entered in the service and was first assigned in Bohol on 1989.

He had a 98-percent target proficiency.

He was assigned at the Cebu City Police Office in 1995 and served as personal security of  Mayor Tomas Osmeña on 1998.

Aside from his duties as a personal security aide, he was also deployed in Cebu City's hunter team in 2001. The team later drew international criticisms for being involved in at least 77 vigilante-style killings.

In 2004, Dumpit was charged with homicide for shooting Ronron Go, 14, an alleged notorious robber. Dumpit hid under police radar, but later surrendered in February 2010.

He served jail time for six years, until he was granted to post bail of P250,000 for good behavior.

The bail was courtesy of Osmeña.

His administrative charges were dropped soon after and he was able to continue as a cop.

In August 2016, he was assigned once again in Bohol, but was reassigned in CCPO in October 2017.

Reportedly, he had no regular post in Bohol and was in floating status at the personnel holding and accounting unit and was given a job of manning the front gate in Camp Dagohoy. — GAN (FREEMAN)