Police say it was retaliation Cop slain by drug group?

CEBU, Philippines — “Get those persons dead or alive.”

This was the statement of Police Regional Office -7 Director Debold Sinas as he ordered his men to arrest the killers of Police Master Sergeant Junard Cinco, a member of the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit.

Cinco, 39, was shot dead at past 8 a.m. in Barangay Media Once, Toledo City yesterday. He was hit in the head.

He was among who served the warrant of arrest against Gerly Glan Luwagi, the right hand of slain drug lord Steve Go.

Luwagi and alleged cohort Junel Lasam were killed during an encounter with policemen serving a warrant against them in Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City Monday night.

Luwagi was reportedly renting a place at Friendship Village in Basak San Nicolas.

Sinas said Cinco’s killing was retaliation as Go’s group reportedly sent threats prior to killing Cinco.

Tracker teams are on the hunt for the suspects who are reportedly still in Toledo City.

“We have eyewitness and we’re checking the CCTV (closed-circuit television) for confirmation kun kinsa tong suspects,” Sinas said.

He reminded his men that the suspects were armed and dangerous.

“I will be issuing new guidelines and directives to all personnel to be very careful and very aware of their surroundings lalo na pag naa na sila sa ilang lugar kay pag naa naka sa inyong lugar, imung pamati kay comfort zone nato. Wala ka kabalo naa diay didto ang mga kaaway nato (I will issue new guidelines and directives for all personnel to be careful and be aware of their surroundings, especially when at their own areas. He said it is easy to let one’s guard down in his comfort zone but this might also be where enemies attack),” Sinas said.

He said this is not the time for cops to relax, especially that tension is high because of the government’s ongoing drug war.

“I will remind my men nga dili pwede mag-relax, especially sa war on drugs kay complicated kaayo na nga trabaho. Kani sila, manukol gyud (I will remind my men to be on their toes, especially in the war on drugs because it is complicated work. Drug suspects will fight back,” he said. —  JMO (FREEMAN)