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Retiring Navy captain under investigation over 1997 cop killing in Cagayan


A Navy captain who is about to retire late this year is currently under investigation in connection with his alleged involvement in the killing of a police officer in Cagayan more than 10 years ago.

Capt. Vicente Marcelo Lampas is currently detained at the Naval Base Cavite following his arrest last June 9 for the killing of P/Insp. Domingo Piopongco Jr. on Nov. 19, 1997 outside a club in Appari, Cagayan.

According to Navy spokesman Col. Edgard Arevalo, the investigation, which is preparatory for possible trial by court martial, is being conducted by the Navy’s Provost Marshall.

“Subject officer is under administrative investigation, pursuant to the Articles of War and existing AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) rules and regulations,” Arevalo said Wednesday.

Lampas, who is also facing murder charges before a Manila court, is a member of the Philippine Military Academy class of 1982. His notable mistahs or classmates include Navy chief Vice Adm. Jesus Millan and Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado.

Lampas is due to reach the retirement age of 56 on Dec. 29 this year.

Aside from Lampas, also charged for the killing of Piopongco were Coast Guard petty officer Melchor Laylo and a certain Dominador Borgonia.

Naval Base Cavite commander Col. Aaron Fetalvero effected the arrest of Lampas last June 9 after the National Bureau of Investigation furnished the Navy a copy of the arrest warrant.

The Navy has filed a Motion for Custody for Lampas after the Manila court ordered his transfer to the Manila City jail.

Arevalo said the motion was based on Executive Order No. 106 that directs military commanders to take custody of subordinate officers or enlisted personnel facing violation of penal laws.

The Manila court will tackle the Navy's motion on Sept. 1. —KBK, GMA News

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