PRO-7 to sue cop’s killer, cohort

CEBU, Philippines — The Police Regional Office (PRO) in Central Visayas is set to file today charges against the two suspects who are allegedly involved in the killing of an undercover police officer.

Murder charges will be filed against Franco Obeso, allegedly the gunman responsible for Police Senior Master Sergeant Maximino Macua Jr.’s death, while a case for illegal possession of firearms will be filed against Richie Requinto.

Police Brigadier General Albert Ignatius Ferro, PRO-7 director, said police are still hunting down other possible suspects.

“We are hunting them one by one. So just watch out,” he said.

At yesterday’s press briefing at the PRO-7 office in Camp Sergio Osmeña in Cebu City, Ferro said the suspects are members of a gun-for-hire group.

"We believe this group is an organized gun-for-hire involved in the collection of money from drug syndicates in Cebu province,” he said.

He said the suspects could be among those who are behind the killings involving riding-in-tandems.

Ferro said his office is looking into the suspects’ possible connection with self-confessed drug lord, Kerwin Espinosa.

He refused to disclose further information as not to preempt ongoing follow-up operations.

Botched Operation

Macua of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Group was shot dead after posing as a buyer in an operation in Sitio San Roque Tabada in Barangay Mambaling Tuesday night.

Sensing the presence of policemen, the subjects of the bust opened fire and hit Macua. The cop was rushed to the Miller Hospital but did not make it there alive.

Police backup were able to shoot at the suspects, engaging them in a firefight.

Two of the suspects, one of them identified as Ronald Sagarino, were killed in an alleged shootout with police officers.

Three other suspects, Requinto, Obeso and Jeremea Zafra, were arrested. Obeso and Zafra are now under hospital arrest after sustaining gunshot wounds.

Macua is the first police officer killed in the line of duty this year in Cebu City and the 57th police officer killed during anti-drug operations since July 2016.

Half-Mast

On the other hand, the flag at the PRO-7 is flying at half-mast to give respect to the family of Macua.

Ferro said Macua’s sacrifice will be honored.

"We will give him the full honors he deserves because he has given his life to provide for tranquility the Cebuanos wanted," said Ferro.

Macua’s remains will be brought to PRO-7 camp tomorrow afternoon for a one day vigil. On the following day, his remains will be brought to his hometown in Bohol province.

Ferro, Cebu City Police Office Director Engelbert Soriano and Cebu City Mayor Edgar Labella visited yesterday the wake of the slain policeman.

Aid

Moreover, the city government has extended P50,000 in cash aid to the family of Macua. The money was sourced from Labella’s intelligence fund.

Labella said Macua’s death was unacceptable.

“It’s pity, it’s unacceptable for a policeman to be killed in line of duty. It’s unacceptable,” said Labella.

“A very young and promising policeman died in line of duty, while enforcing the laws, fighting criminality, fighting against illegal drugs,” he added. Macua was 37.

Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Dino also vowed to provide scholarship grants to Macua’s three children, said Ferro.  KQD (FREEMAN)