2 cops tagged in slay of girl,15, held

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, Philippines — Two police officers tagged in the killing of a 15-year-old girl in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur were arrested yesterday.

S/Sgts. Marawi Torda and Dante Ramos of the San Juan police station were respondents in the complaints filed by the victim and her 18-year-old cousin for acts of lasciviousness and rape, respectively, on Thursday, according to Cabugao police chief Capt. Ramil Llarenas.

The victim was shot dead by motorcycle-riding men shortly after she and her cousin filed their complaints on Friday.

Capt. Benjamin Raquedan, San Juan police chief, said the two police officers were relieved from their posts and brought to the custodial center of the provincial police office to face investigation.

The victim and her cousin were reportedly accosted by the suspects during a party in San Juan for alleged violation of quarantine protocols on July 1.

Raquedan said the two police officers offered to accompany the victims on their way home.