THE “former political has-been” suspects that a group of vigilantes is operating in Cebu City and Province and is responsible for the recent spate of killings, especially of those allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade. He thinks the vigilante group is being protected by police. His suspicion stemmed from the foiled assassination of Tejero Barangay Councilor Jessielou “Jingjing” Cadungog, his political ally.
But Cadungog’s driver, William Macaslang, was quick to react and instead shot the “would-be assassin,” who turned out to be a policeman identified as PO3 Eugene Calumba, a drug enforcement operative assigned to the Parian Police Station. Calumba was the victim, police officials insisted.
The “former political has-been” has assailed police officers for protecting the group of vigilantes that he believes is composed of law enforcers. How ironic that the person who was believed to have inspired vigilantism more than a decade ago is now criticizing this extra-judicial activity.
In 2004, vigilantes sowed terror among underworld characters. They were believed to be active policemen. At least 150 criminals were killed by them.
When he re-assumed power after winning the 2016 elections, the “former political has-been” still encouraged extra-judicial killings in the guise of buy-bust operations by giving cash rewards to cops who killed criminal elements. Now he is condemning such extrajudicial activity.
Why the sudden turnaround? Because his political ally almost became a victim? Or is it because he is no longer in control of the situation? Kun dili mga amigo ang biktima, okey ra. Apan kun amigo o kaalyado, dili maayo ug angayan ikondenar?
The “former political has-been” vowed not to abandon Cadungog. He even postponed his trip abroad for a minor operation because he wants to help Cadungog and protect the Cebuanos from the killings. He expressed concern and agreed with a description of the city as a “criminal city.”
If he still has “balls” to confront the police, he should withdraw the support the City gives to them, like their monthly allowances and logistical support like gasoline and vehicles.
He did it before when, for example, he didn’t like the appointment of a city director. How come he will not do it now? I doubt if he was consulted by the PNP on the appointment of Senior Supt. Royina Garma as city director. Is he afraid of confronting the PNP because it has the backing of Malacañang?
By the way, the police should file a motion for inhibition against the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office in the murder and frustrated murder cases it filed against Cadungog and Macaslang. Why? Because the case has been politicized with the statement of the “former political has-been” that he will help Cadungog, whatever it costs.
The fiscals are receiving monthly allowance from City Hall. One of the prosecutors who is a member of the panel, Maria Theresa Casino, received financial aid from the “former political has-been” when she was shot and wounded by a disgruntled foreigner in the Palace of Justice a few years ago. City Prosecutor Leceria Lofranco Rabillas was her recommendee.