Fourth cop charged over Baringui-an couple’s murder

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) revealed on Thursday that the fourth cop and fifth suspect implicated in the killing of the Baringui-an couple in San Fernando town has already been charged.

Police Colonel Engelbert Soriano, CPPO director, said that Police Staff Sergeant Alvin Enad is now considered at large and camp-restricted.

Enad, desk officer of Ronda Police Station, was also charged with the same case of robbery with double homicide as the other suspects.

“According to document received by the prosecutor's office, siya ay at large,” said Soriano.

When asked where Enad is now, Soriano answered: “Hindi ko masabi.”

As far as the PNP organization is concerned, they have already declared Enad under camp restriction even before the charges were filed.

Last Wednesday, February 23, charges for robbery with double homicide were filed against three policemen and a former cop in line with the fatal shooting of the Barangay councilwoman Ma. Louela Baringui-an and husband Pedro, in San Fernando, Cebu on February 13, 2022.

The Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 identified the four as Staff Sergeants Rene Abella Catamora of the Consolacion Police, Junrey Ypil of the Danao City Police, Junrey Batobalonos of the Lapu-Lapu City Police, and dismissed cop Esmeraldo Quillosa.

Investigation also showed that one of the suspects, Quillosa, was dismissed from service for illegal drug charges back when he was assigned at Consolacion Police Station.

When Catamora executed his extra-judicial confession, he revealed that Enad also took part in the killing.

Soriano said that although charges have been filed against the five of them, investigation will not stop as they are still looking into the angle that the incident could have been politically-motivated.

"We are still looking at the possibility of some other factors like political connection, political motives and other motives behind the killing," said Soriano.

Currently, the CPPO is coordinating with the Regional IAS for the filing of appropriate administrative charges against the four active cops involved.

Further, security measures have already been detailed for the incumbent San Fernando Mayor Lakambini Reluya and the Baringui-an's children for preventive measures since Ma. Louela was supposedly running for a position under Reluya slate. — JMD (FREEMAN)