Mother of slain cop in Negros Oriental turn emotional at Senate hearing

Negros Oriental (outlined in red) –Image from Google Maps

MANILA, Philippines — The kin of one of four policemen who was killed in Negros Oriental turned emotional at a Senate hearing Tuesday as she asked for justice for the death of her son.

Judith Callao, mother of Patrolman Raffy Callao who was allegedly killed by the New People’s Army (NPA) last month, was hoping justice would be served on her son’s death and his case would not be forgotten.

“Ang sakit sa kalooban namin na ganyan ang ginawa ng mga NPA sa kanila. Kaya nga ang hiling ko, bigyan ng hustisya ang pagkamatay nila,” Judith said at the Senate probe on the killings in Negros province.

“Hindi lang kalimutan. Baka ngayon aktibo pa tapos kalimutan nila. Kaya ang sinabi namin kung may human rights ang mga sibilyan, sana may human rights din ang mga PNP na pinatay nila. Yan lang ang masasabi ko,” Judith added.

Judith’s son Raffy was among the four policemen killed by suspected communist rebels at Manato in Ayungan town, Negros Oriental province last July 18.

Other cops who were killed were Cpl. Relebert Beronio, Pat. Roel Cabellon, and Pat. Marquino de Leon, all personnel of the 704th Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Regional Public Safety Battalion 7 assigned in Negros Oriental.

Beronio’s father Librando Beronio, also present at the Senate hearing, likewise turned emotional as he gave his statement on the death of his son.

READ: 4 cops dead in NPA ambush in Negros Oriental

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde recently said the police has already identified 11 suspects believed to be behind the killing of four policemen.

READ: PNP identifies 11 suspects in murder of 4 Negros Oriental cops

Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte has offered a P3-million reward for the suspects.

READ: Duterte raises bounty to P3M to capture killers of Negros cops