Wife, in-laws face raps over husband’s murder

CEBU, Philippines —  After almost a year since a 31-year-old man was found dead in Tabogon, Cebu, a criminal complaint for murder was filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI-7) before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office against the family of his wife and several other xx individuals who allegedly conspired to commit the crime.

The wife will also face a separate complaint of parricide for allegedly conspiring with her family in covering up the murder of Romneck Potot, 31, a resident of Barangay Manlagtang, Tabogon, Cebu.

Named as respondents of the murder complaint were the victim’s parents-in-law---Fausto Gerry Deligero and Imelda Deligero. Also included as accomplices were the other relatives---Willon Pevida Sopsop; Zalde Pevida Sopsop; Arlene Sopsop Flores; Ana Mae Deligero; a certain alyas Digoy; and a John Doe.

Gerlaine Deligero Potot, victim’s wife, was also included in the murder complaint but NBI agent Aga Gierran said they will be amending the complaint against her to parricide.

Also impleaded in the complaint was Dr. Oliver Earl Aliño, Tabogon Municipal health officer, for allegedly issuing false certificate on the cause of death without conducting a post-mortem examination. 

Potot was found dead on July 20, 2020 few meters away from the residence of his parents-in-law where he and his wife also reside after losing his job in Manila due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The wife and her parents initially claimed that the victim failed to return home three days before his body was found. The wife appeared before the NBI-7 supposedly to report the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of her husband. She was instead included in the list of possible suspects after Esterlita Potot, victim’s mother, and his sister Reybelyn, filed a formal complaint before the NBI-7.

Gierran said the victim’s family was suspicious of the wife and the in-laws because of their failure to immediately inform them of what happened.

NBI-7 director Atty. Rennan Oliva said they found out during investigation that the victim was heard calling for help on the evening he was reported missing.

According to Gierran, their witness heard Potot shouting for help from the house of his parents-in-law. The wife was also heard pleading for someone to stop while the victim was crying for help.

"Amidst the plea of Geraldine (wife) shouting "Husto na, Husto na". That was the last time, Romneck was heard alive by neighbors that fateful night," Gierran told reporters.

Gierran said an eight-year-old girl, who witnessed the incident, is now in the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. — FPL (FREEMAN)