Cop who shot drinking buddy faces raps

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

CRIMINAL and administrative charges will be filed against a policeman who shot dead his drinking buddy and wounded a four-year-old boy in Mandaue City last Sunday.

Charges of murder, reckless imprudence resulting to physical injuries and grave misconduct will be filed against PO2 Rosendo Cabrera.

Have something to report? Tell us in text, photos or videos.

Aside from criminal charges, administrative charges will also be filed against the Mandaue City policeman.

Officials of the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) said they have assured the family of Remedios Iran, 42, that there will be no whitewash in their investigation against Cabrera.

Killed

Iran was killed after Cabrera shot him several times due to an argument while having a drinking session near their home in Barangay Tabok, Mandaue City.

A stray bullet from Cabrera’s service firearm also hurt a four-year-old boy who was just passing by the scene of the crime.

Chief Insp. Michael Bastes of the MCPO Investigation and Detective Management Branch (IDMB) told reporters yesterday that, as of now, they are still collecting affidavits from eyewitnesses that identified Cabrera as the suspect.

About four witnesses had come forward to help police file the case, Bastes said.

Should they be able to prepare the charges today, they will file the case immediately.

Bastes also assures Iran’s family that no special treatment will be made on Cabrera.

The IDMB chief said Cabrera will face the case like any other suspect.

Assurance

Police officials also assure Iran’s family that they will provide security and assistance in the filing of the charges against Cabrera.

Cabrera, 48, a beat patrol policeman assigned in Centro Police Station, was arrested in Barangay Mantuyong, just a few minutes after killing Iran.

Cabrera admitted to killing Iran, saying that the victim reportedly called him a worthless policeman while they were having a few drinks in a nearby store.

The incident was the first time that Cabrera had committed a serious misdemeanor in his 22 years of police service.