IAS probes 4 cops in banker slay

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

THE Internal Affairs Service (IAS) is now conducting an investigation into the four policemen who are allegedly involved in the fatal shooting of a banker and wounding of his son.

IAS Regional Director Mario Lopez, who was in Bacolod City Police Office Tuesday, said they are now conducting an investigation into the killing of Jonel Ealdama, 49, a bank employee and the wounding of his son Karl, 16, both residents of Camingawan, Barangay Estefania, Bacolod.

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The father and his son were allegedly shot by PO2 Mauro Taleon, a member of Noppo Public Safety Company, last Saturday night in front of a convenience store near the Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office (Noppo) headquarters.

Lopez said they will also determine the participation of the police personnel who are allegedly involved in the shooting incident.

Investigation showed while the Ealdamas were talking outside the 4Ps Convenience store near the gasoline station, the group of Taleon got out from the store and told them to keep quiet, Station 4 commander Adonis Rosales said.

He said a verbal altercation occurred between Jonel and Taleon, who allegedly drew a gun and fired at Karl. Jonel attempted to run but was also shot by Taleon.

Ealdama sustained a fatal gunshot wound in the body while his son also sustained gunshot wound in his abdomen. Both were rushed to a Bacolod City hospital.

After the shooting incident, Taleon together with his three companions PO2 Eric Mongcal and Police Officers Gary Salap and Adrian Decendario, who are also members of Noppo Public Safety Company Batallion, were turned over by Police Superintendent Armando Tubongbanua to Station 4 for further investigation, Lopez said.

Taleon is presently detained at the lock up cell of Station 4 while Mongcal, Salap and Decendario are presently in the custody Tubongbanua.

Lopez said they are now determining the participation of the policemen in the killing.

He added if they determined that the said police officers committed the crime, they will face administrative charges, which can lead to their dismissal from service.

Lopez pointed out their investigation is separate from the investigation conducted by Police Regional office-6 against the said police personnel.

PRO-Western Visayas Director Cipriano Querol earlier ordered the immediate conduct of summary dismissal proceedings against the four policemen.

Lopez assured the family of the victims that there will be no “white wash” in their investigation against the PNP personnel involved.

Lopez said they are hoping to finish their investigation Wednesday, noting that the said incident would also serve as warning to the PNP personnel.

Lopez reminded the police personnel to always think about their actions first before making any decision to avoid any liabilities. (MAP)