Authorities eyeing 3 motives in murder of Negros policeman

CEBU, Philippines — The authorities are eyeing three angles behind the murder of the cop from the Municipal Drug Enforcement Unit in San Jose town, Negros Oriental Province last Tuesday night.

The victim was identified as Police Executive Master Sergeant Roldan Dellosa Esmajer, 47, who was travelling on his way to the San Jose Police Station from his house on board his vehicle.

However, upon arriving at the national highway around Barangay Tapon Norte B. of the said municipality, a riding in tandem suddenly appeared and shot the victim several times, hitting him on his upper abdomen and right lateral chest area.

After the incident, the suspects immediately fled from the crime scene.

The two unidentified male suspects were reportedly wearing masks and in full helmet.

The victim was then rushed to the nearby hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police Colonel Julian Entoma, Provincial Director of Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO), said they are now eyeing three motives behind the murder.

One is work-related, since the victim has been assigned in the drug enforcement unit for 15 years.

“Nya ang ikaduha, nag-imbestiga usab mi kung duna bay personal nga kontra siya, sa iyang mga kaubanan o kinsa may iyahang na kontra,” Entoma said.

Entoma added that they do not discount the possibility that the murder was done by the members of the New People’s Army.

“Kay aktibo pa man gud ang NPA diri sa Negros,” Entoma said.

Entoma added that the Esmajer has a good record as a cop.

“Sa trabaho, dugay-dugay ni sya sa drug operatives.  Akong nakita is maayo man sya ug performance akong nakita, administratively wala sya makasohi,” Entoma said.

He added that Esmajer was not ever tagged or has been accused as a protector of illegal drugs.

He also said that they are set to back track Esmajer’s previous assignments to trace the possible identity of the unknown perpetrators.  GAN (FREEMAN)