|
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Police dismayed cop among slain kidnap suspects
By Carlo P. Mallo and Ben O. Tesiorna
DAVAO CITY -- It was one disappointing and embarrassing sight: a policeman among suspected kidnappers killed during a rescue of a kidnapped gasoline station owner on Tuesday evening.
It was nevertheless still a victory or sorts for police, as Davao City once again proved it is not a good place for criminals.
Pinoy Votes: Sun.Star Election 2007 Coverage
View here the list of local winners
Chief Inspector Querubin Manalang, Police Regional Office (PRO)-Southern Mindanao spokesman, expressed disappointment Wednesday over reports that police officer Jaime Telebangco, an active member of the Regional Mobile Group-Southern Mindanao, was among the slain kidnap suspects.
Manalang, however, said he is happy that the kidnap group has been neutralized.
"The ranks of (the Police Regional Office in Southern Mindanao) do not tolerate the involvement of personnel in heinous crimes such as kidnapping," Manalang said.
Police Regional Office Director Andres Caro said they are investigating the extent of Telebangco's involvement in the kidnapping of businessman Edgar Baroso last July 8.
In a text message, Caro said: "No one is above the law even if they are police officers themselves."
The Philippine Army is in a less embarrassing position. Among the slain was a former member of the military identified as ex-Army Sergeant Jessie Muit.
Major Randolph Cabangbang, spokesman of the military's Eastern Mindanao Command, said they have long been conducting investigations on Muit's shady activities, the reason behind his dismissal from service.
"That is precisely why he was booted out of the military service. He was seen to be unfit," Cabangbang said of Muit's military record.
Muit was also suspected of being involved in the kidnapping of another trader back in 2000.
The identity of the trader however was not known. It was also not known if Muit was charged for that incident.
Cabangbang said they would check if active military personnel were also involved in Muit's illegal activities.
"But for crimes committed by ex-Army soldiers, these are matters for the PNP (Philippine National Police) to investigate," he said.
A shootout between the police and the kidnap-for-ransom group Tuesday resulted in the death of four kidnap suspects, including Telebangco and Muit. Two other slain men remain unidentified.
The four were reportedly members of the Balbacua gang.
Recovered from the crime scene were two caliber .45 and two 9mm pistols.
The Balbacua kidnap for ransom group was involved in the kidnapping of Edgar Barroso, proprietor of Flying V gas station in Panacan.
The police said the kidnappers demanded a ransom of P100 million. The family negotiated for a smaller amount, promising to pay an initial amount of P200,000.
Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte earlier said the Balbacua gang allegedly headed by Muit has other members who were not killed during a police raid Tuesday on their hideout in Spring Valley Subdivision, Buhangin.
Mayor Duterte said the fate of the kidnappers must serve as a warning to criminals in government.
"You're free to do what you want here, but be careful. If we catch you, sorry ka na lang," Duterte said when interviewed at the crime scene Tuesday evening. (Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Iloilo. (July 12, 2007 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
|
|
|
[return to top]
[home]
|
|
Prosecutor relieved from Burgos abduction probe