MATI, Davao Oriental -- The decorated policeman, assigned in Manay town here who was accused of killing a radio broadcaster few months ago was formally charged with murder in court.
Police Officer 1 Dennis Jess Lumikid was formally charged but his co-accused, Old Macopa barangay Captain Romeo Antoling, was dropped from the case after prosecutors failed to show prima facie evidence against him.
Lumikid was identified by the common-law-wife of Mati broadcaster Jesiderio Camangyan as the one who shot her husband, on the night of June 14 in Barangay Old Macopa in Manay town.
Antoling was the one who invited the victim to the village to host an amateur singing contest, promising him a P3,000 talent fee and a shotgun.
Aside from murder charges, administrative charges for grave misconduct have been filed against Lumikid.
Lumikid, described as a "modern day hero" by then President Gloria M. Arroyo, received the Medalya ng Kagalingan, given to soldiers and police officers for courage and gallantry in action.
In her speech during the awarding of medals in August 2007 at Xavier University gym in Cagayan de Oro, the President said the 20 modern-day heroes, including Lumikid, were "classic examples of those have been in the thick of battles against our enemies of the worst kind."
Antoling's involvement in the plot to kill Camangyan was earlier suspected by the authorities after the village chief failed to rush the victim to the hospital.
It took several hours before Camangyan's body was retrieved from the crime scene as Antoling hid in the residence of his child for about 8 hours after the shooting incident. (BOT)