Policeman faces homicide raps

CEBU, Philippines - Finding probable cause, the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office charged a police officer for allegedly killing his neighbor.

Prosecutor Gandhi Truya elevated the homicide case against SPO2 Cresente Dacillo in court for shooting Primo Gallego Jr.

Truya recommended P40,000 bail for Dacillo’s temporary liberty.

It was on March 19, 2012 when the accused, who is assigned at the Punta Police Station, allegedly shot the victim twice.

Menardo Cervantes and Mellvin Ebrado who witnessed the incident said that when some neighbors approached the victim, Dacillo allegedly warned them not to help.

In the joint-affidavit executed by the responding police officers, they said that on March 19 they received a report about the shooting incident at Sitio Laguna Barangay Bulacao, Cebu City.

When they arrived at the crime scene they saw Gallego, who was wearing shorts, on the ground in a prone position. They said that when they checked the victim’s body they recovered .38 caliber revolver loaded with six ammunitions.

The victim was taken to the hospital where he died.

Dacillo claimed that he was forced to shoot the victim for self defense. According to him, Gallego attempted to shoot him.

Police said the accused voluntarily surrendered and admitted that he shot the victim with the use of his service firearm, a.9mmm pistol.

Truya ruled that he found the shooting incident was for self-defense.

“The undersigned finds that respondent’s self-defense should be presented before the regular court for its appreciation.”

“The undersigned finds that the firearm used was duly issued and licensed to respondent as a member of the Philippine National Police and there being no other qualifying or aggravating circumstances present, the offense can only be homicide,” resolution reads. — (FREEMAN)