THE family of a 27-year-old person with disability (PWD) is calling for justice after he was shot dead by an allegedly drunk policeman in Barangay 6, Tuburan town, northwestern Cebu at 6 a.m. Friday, June 13, 2025.
The victim was identified as Leo Vergel Fin Suico. The suspect is Florante Peruchu Hoyle, who holds the rank of a staff sergeant and a member of the Investigation and Detective Management Unit of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO).
According to the victim’s mother, Milagros Suico, her son, a man with a learning disability, was just sleeping when the incident occurred.
She said Leo woke up when he heard a gunshot. The suspect then entered their house and shot her son in the head and nape.
“I am calling for justice for my son… my PWD son was killed so easily,” Milagros said in Cebuano.
Milagros wants the police officer, whom she described as merciless, to rot in prison.
Before the shooting, Hoyle had allegedly confronted a group of youths. Leo’s brother, who was part of the group, was reportedly struck by the police officer with his firearm.
Suico’s body will undergo an autopsy in preparation for the filing a murder case against the suspect.
Meanwhile, the CCPO is waiting for the report from the Tuburan Police Station to start the administrative investigation against Hoyle.
Lt. Col. Maria Theresa Macatangay, CCPO deputy city director for operations, said they are coordinating with the Tuburan police chief on the investigation.
Macatangay said the Tuburan police will file the criminal case, while the CCPO will handle the administrative case.
After the incident, the CCPO confiscated Hoyle’s service firearm and badge.
“We will be waiting for the investigation report conducted by the Tuburan Police Station. If the obtaining facts will be considered an aggravating circumstance, it will be reflected in the case he will be facing,” Macatangay said.
Macatangay assured that Hoyle will undergo due process despite being a member of the CCPO.
If proven guilty, Hoyle faces dismissal from service and imprisonment. / AYB