On his way home in Liloan: Imok killed in ambush

CEBU, Philippines — Controversial Barangay Captain Felicisimo “Imok” Rupinta of Ermita, Cebu City was killed in an ambush last night in Tayud, Liloan, Cebu.

Liloan Police Station chief Supt. Melbert Esguerra said that Rupinta was driving his Isuzu Dmax pickup with his common-law-wife Jocelyn Mendoza on their way home to Tayud, Liloan when four unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen shot him at 8:12 last night.

 Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera told The FREEMAN that  Rupinta was shot twice in the head and at least twice in his shoulders.

He was rushed to Mendero Medical Center in nearby Consolacion town.

Garganera went to the hospital after learning about the incident. He said the doctors declared Rupinta dead at 9:33 p.m. after they failed to revive him.

“Pag-abot sa hospital mura’g lifeless na daw ingon ang doctor. Pero standard operating nila to try to revive, pero wala na gyod. Patay na si Imok,” Garganera said.

“Naay duha ka bullets sa head. Naay tissues nigawas sa utok ug ingonang doctor nga wala nay blood ni flow,” he added.

Councilor David Tumulak said he received a phone call from Liloan Police Station informing him of the incident. Tumulak said he tapped the Cebu City Police Office to help in the investigation.

As of last night, a hot pursuit operation was immediately conducted by operatives of Liloan Police Station and the members of the Special Weapons and Tactics team.

Association of Barangay Councils President Phillip Zafra condemned the killing of Rupinta.

“He's really, he's a very dedicated servant of the people especially sa mga gagmay'ng tingog sa katilingban and we really feel for the family the loss and I will demand justice be serve and I’m urging all the law enforcement agencies concern to please fast-track the investigation and put behind bars and to justice the perpetrators behind the merciless killing of Captain Imok Rupinta,” Zafra said.

Former mayor Michael Rama said he was saddened by what happened and demand that justice should be served.

“We can never state but we just have to go back to the proximate events. Somebody has to assume responsibility,” Rama told The FREEMAN.  Rama was among the allies of Rupinta who went to the hospital last night. Rupinta ran for councilor in Cebu City under Team Rama in the last elections but failed to win.

Rupinta and the entire members of the Ermita barangay council were placed under a six-month preventive suspension by the Ombudsman earlier this year because of their failure to assist the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-7 during an anti-drug operation.

After serving his six months suspension, Rupinta launched a shame campaign directed against suspected drug peddlers in his barangay by posting tarpaulins with "drug-free" markings on houses.

The most recent controversy he was involved in was the demolition of stalls and tables occupied by fish vendors along Calderon Street in Carbon Market.  The issue, however, was resolved last week after a meeting with the vendors. — with Clydyl Mae Avila (FREEMAN)