CAMP Crame has ordered an investigation on Police Major Chuck Barandog and former Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) chief Royina Garma over the killing of two barangay tanods and a woman during a police operation in Barangay Lusaran, Cebu City on Feb. 22, 2019.
In a memorandum dated June 27, Police Brig. Gen. Omega Jireh Fidel, officer-in-charge of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM), directed the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 to conduct a pre-charge investigation on Barandog, other policemen involved in the operation and Garma.
Fidel also recommended the filing of administrative complaints against the police officers if there is sufficient evidence against them.
The PRO 7 was given until July 30 to complete the investigation and render a report on its findings.
Barandog, former commander of the City Mobile Force Company (CMFC), led the operation in Lusaran, where two tanods and the wife of one of the tanods were shot and killed by the police officers.
Details of the operation were discussed by former Cebu City councilor Mary Ann De Los Santos in a privilege speech at the City Council, which then sought an investigation on the policemen. A copy of the council resolution was sent to Camp Crame on May 22.
“Forwarded to your Office is the resolution for the conduct of pre-charge investigation and the filing of administrative case against PMaj. Barandog and other PNP personnel involved, and PCol. Royina Garma for failure to supervise her subordinates under her command, if evidence warrants,” the memorandum to PRO 7 Chief Debold Sinas read.
In her privilege speech, De Los Santos accused Barandog and his men of misconduct.
According to the police, barangay tanods Renato Goc-ong and Reynaldo Laguna allegedly refused to surrender and instead engaged members of the CMFC in a shootout.
Goc-ong’s wife Emma was hit in the exchange and died.
A policeman was also hurt in the operation.
Barandog said in an earlier interview that they had initiated the raid after receiving reports that the tanods owned unlicensed firearms and were carrying them around in public.
Vice Mayor Michael Rama, for his part, said they will just wait for the result of the PRO 7’s investigation on the incident. (from PAC of SuperBalita Cebu/LRC)