9 cops linked to killing of Calbayog mayor give up

Mayor Ronaldo Aquino of Calbayog City, Samar. (File photo by JENNIFER D. SUMAGANG-ALLEGADO / Inquirer Visayas)

MANILA, Philippines — The nine police officers accused of the murder of Calbayog City Mayor Ronaldo Aquino in March last year are now in the custody of the Philippine National Police.

In a statement on Wednesday, PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said the nine surrendered to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Detective Special Operations Unit on Feb. 15 and had since been detained inside Camp Crame.

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

Police Lt. Col. Harry Sucayre; Police Maj. Shyrile Tan; Police Capt. Dino Goles; Police Lt. Julio Armeza Jr.; Police Staff Sergeants Neil Cebu, Edsel Omega, and Randy Merelos; Police Cpl. Julius Garcia; and Police Patrolman Niño Salem were ordered arrested on Feb. 14 by Judge Cicero Lampasa of the Calbayog City, Samar province, Regional Trial Court Branch 32.

They were charged in four separate murder cases with no bail recommended, and a fifth frustrated murder case with the court setting bail of P200,000 for each suspect.

All nine were members of the PNP Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group, which is tasked as the primary unit for information gathering and the conduct of operations against erring police personnel.

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