No foul play found in death of cop, lover

CEBU, Philippines — The authorities found no foul play involved in the death of a police officer who allegedly shot himself after killing his lover inside the Police Community Precinct last Tuesday morning.

Police Major Gerard Ace Pelare, Talisay Police Station chief, told reporters that all pieces of evidence recovered from the crime scene, along with the testimonies of witnesses, pointed to that Lt. Police Lt. Praxilo Albiso, 40, used his issued firearm in shooting his alleged girlfriend Vernice Cardino, 31, and himself.

“We don’t know what exactly happened before the incident because the police officers in the sub-station did not hear anything.  Walay away, although the crime scene suggests nga naay scuffle,” said Pelare.

There were two police officers who were staying in the precinct who stood as witnesses of the incident. The sub-station where the crime happened has served as the quarters of the officers on-duty.

Their investigation revealed that it was only the second time that Cardino was spotted entering the precinct.

“In other words, wala sya (Cardino) gapuyo didto.  The information I received is naabot sya didto pagka morning then didto sila, nahitabo to,” said Pelare.

Pelare, who is also a lawyer, admitted that Albiso has asked for his legal advice before concerning a rape case that Cardino has reportedly filed against him.

“What I knew (was) that there were cases filed against him by Cardino but I did know na it was Cardino. That was the information I received,” said Pelare.

These cases were filed against Albiso prior to his assignment as deputy in the Talisay Police Station.

Pelare said he had no complaints against his performance as the deputy officer, who actually heads their anti-illegal drug operations and their contact tracing.

Meanwhile, Police Colonel Aladdin Collado, Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) chief, said the PNP has an active program to address the mental health of the cops.

“May mga programa po tayo to address their wellness nila.  These includes physical and also doon sa psychological state nila... We also have continuous program na tinatawag nating spiritual enhancement program na tina-target naman natin is yung spiritual wellness naman ng mga police natin,”said Collado. /GAN (FREEMAN)