Saturday, November 24, 2007 Cop tagged suspect in killing jeepney barker By Gil Alfredo B. Severino
BACOLOD City Police Chief Ronilo Quebrar was disheartened by reports that a member of his police force was tagged suspect in killing of Randy Hervias, whose body was found dumped at Purok Simburyo , Barangay Silos-Pandanon, Murcia Saturday.
Police Officer 1 Edgar Magbanua of Police Station 1 was dragged on the alleged case of "salvaging".
Hervias' live-in partner Rosalie Magallanes and some of the members of the Hervias family claimed that the last person they saw with Hervias was a policeman whom they refused to name yet.
But they are sure that this policeman is still in active duty at Police Station 1.
"Said police was holding Hervias with his arms, looking as though they were close. We didn't know that it was the last time we'll see him," Magallanes said.
In an interview over dyEZ Aksyon-Radyo, however, Magbanua denied any involvement with Hervias case.
Though he can identify the victim very well saying Hervias is a jeep barker and a notorious thief.
On the other hand, Quebrar appealed, "We are having problems in terms of evidences and witnesses. No one comes forward to testify. So it's premature, therefore, to be making false accusation against anyone. So please don't put my policeman under trial."
The BCPO chief also cautioned media to avoid speculations that will only end up to nothing.
Quberar said they will wait for anyone from the Hervias family to file formal complaints against anyone or even against Magbanua.
"If there's a complaint, then that's the time that we will act on it," Quebrar explained.
Negros Occidental Provincial Police Director Rosendo Franco also vowed to help probe Hervias case since the body was found in Murcia and it falls under his jurisdiction, too.
But like Quebrar, Franco is also hoping for the Hervias family to be cooperative with their investigation.
He said, "We will corroborate with BCPO if the location of the crime is confirmed. But if the crime happened within the Murcia, then NOPPO will take the responsibility on the probe."
