Cop, one other charged for alleged kidnapping, murder

CEBU, Philippines - A criminal complaint for kidnapping with murder was filed before the Regional Trial Court against a policeman and his companion who allegedly kidnapped a man with the intent to extort money from his family. 

PO2 Jaime dela Cruz and Lyndon Pancho are facing charges for allegedly kidnapping Sergio Pagobo Jr. on November 10, 2007 and shooting him using a .45 gun reportedly owned by Dela Cruz. The gunshot wound caused Pagobo’s death. Dela Cruz was arrested after Pancho executed a sworn statement that said he and Dela Cruz, along with three other people, went to Barangay Day-as in Cordova on November 10, 2007 to conduct a buy-bust operation against Pagobo who allegedly sold shabu.

Pancho’s statement corroborated the testimonies of Pancho’s mother and a companion of the victim during the time of the alleged kidnapping. They identified dela Cruz and Pancho as the ones who handcuffed Pagobo and took the victim against his will.

The fired cartridge recovered from the crime scene also matched the .45 gun issued to Dela Cruz.

In his counter-affidavit, Dela Cruz denied the allegations, saying he was at his boarding house when the crime happened and that he had never met the victim nor his fellow accused. He contended that his firearm was reportedly taken from him illegally, thus, it was positively identified during cross-matching because of its license.

However, Prosecutor 1 Simaco Labata found probable cause and sufficient evidence to recommend the filing of kidnapping with murder charges against the two respondents.

Labata also denied the motion for reconsideration filed by Dela Cruz, saying there is no substantial argument to warrant the modification of the resolution. No bail was recommended for both accused. — AJ A. de la Torre/JMO   (FREEMAN NEWS)