|
Thursday, March 04, 2004
Nalzaro: Durano will be convicted
By Bobby G. Nalzaro
Regional Trial Court Judge Olegario Sarmiento of Branch 24 will promulgate this morning the decision on the murder case filed against controversial former police officer Engilberto Durano for the senseless killing of a tricycle driver more than three years ago. This is one of the most publicized cases in Cebu considering that the person involved is a policeman who went into hiding after a warrant of arrest was issued against him.
Durano, who is also facing separate frustrated murder and kidnapping cases, was accused of killing Rogelio Bacalso, a neighbor in Plazaville, Busay this city shortly before Christmas day of 2001. The prime witness, Lloyd Carampatan, pointed to Durano as the one who shot the victim with the help of two other suspects.
While under police custody, Carampatan was shot and seriously wounded by an unknown assailant reportedly under the instruction of Durano. Thus, a frustrated murder case was filed against him.
My fearless prediction is this: Durano will be convicted. As they say, crime does not pay. So mirisi. I have no sympathy for people like Durano.
***
My article about the alarming peace and order situation the city elicited reactions from our readers here and abroad.
I already printed here a letter on the said issue from reader Susan Boinske. Another reader, Thomas Everette Lumbard of New Hampshire, USA, shared Ms. Boinske’s observation. Meanwhile, a local resident, who wants to be called Anak sa Sugbo, reminded local officials and police authorities to immediately act on the problem before it is too late. He is worried that Cebu City will end up being known internationally as Queen City of Crimes.
Well, if Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmena will not take a direct hand in solving the problem of criminality, this can be used as an issue against him. I am discussing this not to destroy the image of our city but to warn and inform balikbayans and visitors to be extra careful because criminals are everywhere.
Anak sa Sugbo narrated the fate of friends who were victimized by robbers. “It's a good thing you reminded and prodded our mayor to arrest the rise of criminality in the metropolis,” he said. “Last week, four of my friends were robbed in broad daylight in separate occasions in the city. What then is Cebu’s future in this setup? Is this the price we have to pay for progress?
“I hope our beloved mayor will realize that when a place is no longer safe, the business climate will be affected.”
A Mister Lumbard, on the other hand, shared the following thoughts:
“I am an American married to a Filipina and intend on retiring in Ormoc City a couple of years from now. The young lady is absolutely correct in that Americans with families have no intention vacationing in the Philippines.'
“The insurgency problem, along with the high crime rate and kidnapping for ransom cases, are real turnoffs for Americans. My friends try everyday to convince me not to retire in your country. I guess, I am crazier than most because I am willing to take the gamble for my wife and her family.”
“It would really benefit the Philippines financially if authorities can take care of internal criminal problems. I understand that poverty has a lot to do with it. Which is hard to explain to my friends because they have never seen such poverty here in America.”
(e-mail: bobby@sunstar. com.ph; text: 0919-3181404)
(March 4, 2004 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
