DOJ indicts 9 cops over killing of Calbayog City Mayor Aquino

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has indicted nine police officers over the killing of late Calbayog City Mayor Ronaldo Aquino, and his companions in March 2021.

Four counts of murder will be filed against the cops for the deaths of Aquino, security escort Rodeo Stario, driver Dennis Abayon, and passerby Clint Paul Yauder as well as one count of frustrated murder for personal security aid Mansfield Labonite, who was wounded in the incident.

The criminal information will be filed at the Regional Trial Court of Calbayog City.

The panel of prosecutors determined that the defenses of denial, alibi, and self-defense interposed by the respondents cannot be given weight in light of the positive assertions of witnesses and the evidence submitted.

Aquino and his companions were killed after the late mayor’s vehicle was riddled with bullets on Laboyao Bridge in Barangay Lonoy on March 9.

While police previously claimed that they were forced to return fire after the mayor’s men began shooting them, CCTV footage shows that the police officers tailed the mayor for 17 minutes before his death.

Labonite also said that the cops fired on them first.

According to the DOJ, the cops that will be charged include:

• Police Lieutenant Colonel Harry Villar Sucayre, Team Leader

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• Police Major Shyrile Co Tan
• Police Captain Dino Laurente Goles
• Police Lieutenant Julio Salcedo Armeza, Jr.
• Police Staff Sergeant Neil Matarum Cebu
• Police Staff Seargeant Edsel Tan Omega
• Patrolman Niño Cuadra Salem
• Police Corporal Julius Udtujan Garcia
• Police Staff Seargeant Randy Caones Merelos
• Several John Does

Meanwhile, the counter-charges for murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder filed against Ronald Mark Aquino, son of the late mayor, and Police Corporal Ramil Rosales were dismissed as well as the complaint against Ronald for grave threats.

The supplemental complaint of Ronald Mark against Raymund Uy and Stephen James Tan was also dismissed. —LBG, GMA News