No more task group for Ramirez murder

CEBU, Philippines — The investigating task group meant to expedite the investigation into the murder of former Medellin Mayor Ricardo “Ricky” Ramirez has been dismantled by the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas after finding the case “unqualified” to warrant a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG).

Police Brigadier General Debold Sinas, the director of PRO-7, said in a press conference that the SITG from the provincial level did not qualify since Ramirez was no longer an incumbent mayor.

Ramirez, who was also an outgoing town councilor, was also under hospital arrest at the time.

Sinas clarified that unless the incident will pose as a threat to the current peace and order it is not necessary to form a task group.

“We will not be forming the SITG, because upon evaluation he did not qualify the requirements which apil if government employee ka, a uniformed personnel, or if it affects the prevalent peace and order,” he said.

Previously, Cebu Provincial Police Office tagged the incident as “alarming” as it was unusual for 15 men, onboard four sports utility vehicle to target one man under hospital arrest.

To recall, Ramirez was killed before midnight last June 18 by a group of 15 men who stormed the Bogo-Medellin Medical Center.

He was with his son’s girlfriend and lone jail officer who served as his security detail. The two were unharmed but Ramirez died on the spot after suffering from several gunshot wounds.

Philippine National Police Chief Oscar Albayalde was quoted in a report saying the incident was “shocking.”

Sinas, however, said that the case was isolated and that there was no need for the residents to panic.

He said that Medellin police station led by Police Major Audie Pelayo, can handle the investigation into the killing of Ramirez.

As of this writing, the Medellin police still do not have a person of interest or a suspect in the crime. However, the angle being looked into is the alleged involvement of Ramirez in the illegal drugs business as a protector and user.

Sinas said that they are zeroing-in on this angle, as it is most likely that he angered his enemies for allegedly receiving special treatment.

“He has been in the hospital too long, and reportedly naa special treatment so likely nga nibawos to ang mga nasuko sa iyaha. If naa pa to siya sa prisohan dili unta to mahitabo niya,” he said.

He added that they are currently coordinating with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology to determine if there are any lapses, as they only detailed one jail officer to secure Ramirez. This, after Albayalde pointed out that the BJMP may have underestimated the risk to Ramirez’s life.

Meanwhile, the family of Ramirez asked for privacy during his burial yesterday at the Queen City Memorial Gardens. (FREEMAN)