In Cavite, murder rap filed vs driver of cop shooter

The Philippine National Police on Monday filed a murder complaint against the driver involved in a road shooting incident in Cavite City that left a police officer and a motorist dead last week.

The killing of Chief Master Sergeant Julius Arcalas of the Cavite Highway Patrol Group (HPG) also prompted a request from Brig. Gen. Alexander Tagum, HPG chief, for “capability enhancement” of patrolmen to carry rifles, body cameras and bulletproof vests.

Malacañang has condoled with Arcalas’ widow and five children, who received in his behalf the Medalya ng Kadakilaan (PNP Heroism Medal) during the wake in Bacoor City, Cavite, on Sunday, the HPG said in a Facebook post.

Navy exec’s husband

Col. Marlon Santos, Cavite police chief, said the driver, Raymond Zuñiga, 35, surrendered to the HPG, which turned him over to the custody of the Cavite City police on Sunday night.

Zuñiga was driving the sport utility vehicle owned by the main suspect, Methusael Cebrian, when the vehicle was flagged down for routine check along the Manila-Cavite Road on Nov. 6.

Cebrian, who claimed to be a member of the Philippine Navy, turned out to be the husband of a Navy officer with a rank of lieutenant senior grade. Cebrian was slain in the shootout.

In a separate telephone interview, Lt. Col. Franco Alex Reglos, Cavite City police chief, said Zuñiga was charged with murder, as well as two counts of frustrated murder of two other HPG officers and physical injuries inflicted on a bystander.Police were still investigating if Zuñiga, who worked as an errand boy to the Cebrians, fired a gun.

A four-minute video recorded on the mobile phone of Police Staff Sergeant Emerson Domingo showed the policemen asking Cebrian and Zuñiga to present identification cards since the vehicle did not have a license plate.

After a few minutes, Zuñiga rolled up his window and several gunshots were heard.

—Maricar Cinco