Security guard wants to claim bond, shot dead

CEBU, Philippines — A former security guard was shot dead by the authorities in an exchange of gunfire inside his agency’s office Monday evening.

It was around 6:45 p.m. when Ernesto Benedicto Jr., 31, a native of Cagayan de Oro City, went to the office of the security agency along Jakosalem Street, Cebu City where he formerly worked as security guard.

"Gahapon iyang purpose sa pag-adto sa opisina sa DASIA is ilahang kuhaon ang iyang security bond, naa man ni silay security bond, kay mouli na sila sa ila and then murag wala siguro sila nagkasinabot sa manager kay giingnan sya nga next week pa niya makuha," said Police Lt. Colonel Wilbert Parilla, deputy director for operations of Cebu City Police Office (CCPO).

Benedicto was then reportedly advised by the manager to board the armored vehicle that will travel to Cagayan de Oro for free since he claimed that he has no money for fare going back to his hometown.

The employees didn't know that Benedicto then hid in the office's kitchen instead of following the manager's advice.

"Kay sweto man ni sya dira kay diha man na sya nag-guwardya kana nga office, nitago sya sa kitchen, pag alas singko, katong namahawa na ang mga empleyado ningsud didto sa armory," Parilla narrated.

Benedicto then reportedly locked the armory upon entering. However, the remaining employees saw him and told him to go out.

The employees then decided to call the Police Station 1 for the assistance.

"Unya di man mogawas jud, ila ng gi-negotiate nya nagtawag sila og SWAT, pag-abot sa SWAT gituktok sa SWAT ang armory, instead, nagpabuto man nuon," said Parilla.

Benedicto then fired at the authorities, who retaliated and hit Benedicto in the head.

He was rushed to the nearest hospital where he was declared dead approximately four hours later. His cadaver is still in the funeral homes awaiting family from Cagayan de Oro.

Parilla said that they do not know yet as to what triggered Benedicto to do such thing.

The management said he resigned from the office to go home in Cagayan de Oro.

"Prior sa iyang trabaho wala ni syay mga sayop didto or wala syay record sa iyang office," said Parilla.

The police are eyeing the possibility that the delayed issuance of security bond was one of the reasons behind the incident. — GMR (FREEMAN)