9 cops in Calbayog City mayor slay surrendered — PNP

Nine police officers involved in the killing of Calbayog City Mayor Ronaldo Aquino and his companions have surrendered to the Philippine National Police - Criminal Investigation and Detection Group on Tuesday night.

PNP chief Police General Dionardo Carlos said these police officers are now detained at the Detective Special Operations Unit (DSOU) custodial facility in Camp Crame.

·       Police Lieutenant Colonel Harry Sucayre

·       Police Major Shyrile Tan

·       Police Captain Dino Goles

·       Police Lieutenant Julio Armeza, Jr.

·       Police Staff Sergeant Neil Cebu

·       Police Staff Sergeant Edsel Omega

·       Patrolman Niño Salem

·       Police Corporal Julius Garcia

·       Police Staff Sergeant Randy Merelos

The PNP chief said the police officers were the subjects of warrants of arrest issued on February 14 by the Calbayog Regional Trial Court Branch 32. 

“They are accused in four separate criminal cases of murder docketed under Criminal Case Nos. 9090, 9091, 9092 & 9093 with no bail recommended, and frustrated murder docketed under Criminal Case No. 9094 with recommended bail of P200,000 each,” Carlos said.

Tan, Sucayre, Omega, and Cebu have since been dismissed from the service upon recommendation of the Internal Affairs Service and approved by the PNP chief in November 2021.

Other accused PNP personnel still in active service are placed on leave of absence without pay status while under detention.

“The nine accused are now considered persons under police custody while awaiting further orders from the Court. The PNP commits its 100% cooperation in the prosecution of the case,” Carlos said.

In March 2021, Aquino and his companions thought that they were being followed by the passengers of another vehicle.

Aquino's group shot at the tailing vehicle, whose occupants fired back as they turned out to be police officers.

Aquino, his driver, and his security officer were killed in the encounter. A police officer was also killed while another was injured.  —LBG/VBL, GMA News