HPG cop in motorist’s slay jumps to his death

MANILA, Philippines - One of the two Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) policemen facing murder charges over the death of an apprehended motorcycle rider last month reportedly committed suicide by leaping from the rooftop of their headquarters at Camp Crame yesterday morning.

Police Officer 3 Jeremiah de Villa leaped from the rooftop of the PNP-HPG headquarters and landed on the grounds of the adjoining Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG) building at around 9 a.m., according to Senior Supt. Antonio Gardiola Jr., PNP-HPG commander,

Gardiola said De Villa was immediately brought to the PNP hospital also inside Camp Crame, where he died at 9:45 a.m.

Gardiola, while ruling out any foul play in De Villa’s death, said the policeman’s remains would be examined thoroughly.

“There’s an ongoing investigation on this,” Gardiola said.

De Villa and PO2 Jonjie Manon-og are facing criminal and administrative charges over the death of motorcycle rider John dela Riarte last July 29.

In defense of their action, the two claimed that Dela Riarte, who was already under their custody following his apprehension over a traffic accident in Makati City, tried to grab their firearms while inside a PNP-HPG patrol vehicle.

shows De Villa, who was being investigated for the killing of motorcycle rider John dela Riarte.EDD GUMBAN