IMEG-7 chief fears for his life

CEBU, Philippines —  Integrity Monitoring and Enhancement Group (IMEG) Visayas Field Unit chief, Police Major Alejandro Batobalonos, admitted he now fears for his life after the murder of Ritchie Nepomuceno, a woman who complained of rape and extortion against 11 members of Sawang Calero Police Station in Cebu City.

Batobalonos was behind the filing of criminal and administrative complaints against the now known as “Sawang 11”.

"Walay taong di kulbaan no, sa nahitabo kang Nepumoceno, mura ko’g na blangko unsa akong buhaton kay gibati pud ko’g kabalaka ug kahadlok sa akong sitwasyon," confessed Batobalos.

Although he did not receive any threat, Batobalonos said he could not help but worry for his safety after what had happened to their witness.

On April 19, Nepomuceno was shot dead by two unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen in Barangay Basak, Cebu City.

Few hours later, Sgt. Celso Colita, team leader of Sawang 11, was also found dead with gunshot inside the comfort room at the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit (RPDEU) office in what police officials claimed as a case of suicide.

Colita and the members of his team---Chief MSgt. Eric Edgar Ernia; Staff Sergeants Joseph Alcoseba and Michael Rhey Cabizares; Corporals Emmanuel Martinez, Rochelito Mabulay, Ejill Ferrolino, Carlo Irizari, Junel Pedroza, John Carl Aceron and Georny Abrasado—were accused by Nepomuceno of extortion. Nepomuceno also accused Colita of rape. The complaints are now pending before the prosecutor’s office.

Batobalonos said he is taking extra security precautions after the incident.

"First is ampo lang gyud ta pirmi sa Ginoo nga protektahan ta, then ikaduha, usbon nato atong mga itinerary, atong pattern, extra careful lang gyud ta," he said.

Aside from personal security concern, Batobalonos is also worried about the case they filed. He admitted that the incident might discourage the other complainants from pursuing their case.

"We will go there, para amo sila tagaan og advice and moral support, although na-file na nato ang kaso, wala pa man gud nato na hearing no, katong duha ka complainant nato, including ning kang Ritchie," he said.

Legal aid recalled

Meanwhile, the Cebu City government has taken back the legal assistance it earlier offered to the family of Nepomuceno.

City Legal Officer Rey Gealon said the mayor reached the decision after police investigation shows Nepomuceno was involved in illegal drug trade.

“Gatuo ang mayor nga usa kadto ka random nga panghitabo ug diin nabiktima sa krimen ang nahisgutan nga indibidwal,” said Gealon.

“Sa pagpalawum sa imbestigasyon sa atong kapolisan, nakita nga dunay kalambigitan sa ginadili nga drogas ang kamatayon niadtong nahisgutan nga namatay ug subay niana, ang mayor mowithdraw niining iyang paghatag og legal nga tabang ngadto niining kamatayon ining ginganla'g Ritchie Nepomuceno,” he said.

According to Gealon, Mayor Edgardo Labella is now leaving the investigation up to the police.

“Iya nalang ihatag ngadto sa kapolisan ang pagpaimbestigar ug pagpasulbad sa mao'ng krimen,” said Gealon.

Labella earlier advised the family of Nepomuceno to go to his office or the City Legal Office so that the city can provide them the desired legal assistance. - Mary Ruth R. Malinao, FPL   (FREEMAN)