Cops in crime watchdog exec’s slay jailed

MANILA, Philippines – Two police officers tagged in the killing of a chief of the Citizens Crime Watch (CCW) in Gloria, Oriental Mindoro have been transferred to separate jails.

Senior Inspector Magdalino Pimentel Jr. of the Oriental Mindoro Police Public Safety Company, and Inspector Markson Almeranez, chief of the Socorro town police, are facing charges for the killing of Zenaida Luz, according to provincial police director Senior Superintendent Cris Birung.

“Pimentel will be detained at the Pinamalayan provincial jail and Almeranez to the Bansud municipal jail,” Birung said in a text message to The STAR.

Birung said the commitment order was issued by judge Harry Jaminola of the Regional Trial Court Branch 42, which issued the arrest warrant against the two officers.

The lawmen allegedly posed as motorcycle-riding men and shot dead Luz in front of her residence in Barangay Maligaya on Oct. 9.

A barangay chairman witnessed the incident and reported it to the police.

Responding police officers pursued the gunmen who shot at them, triggering a firefight.

“One of the gunmen was hit and they were cornered and arrested,” Birung said adding Pimentel was wearing a bonnet and jacket while Almeranez a facemask and a wig.

The arresting team seized the suspects’ firearms.

A month ago, Almeranez was named outstanding police commissioned officer by the Philippine National Police.

“With his good track record, we are puzzled how he got involved in that incident,” Birung told The STAR.

“We have yet to determine the motive for the killing,” he added.