Witnesses and the mother of the sidewalk vendor who was shot dead by a neigbhor policeman are requesting for police protection.
Angelina Callego, mother of shooting victim Primo Callego Jr. told Cebu Daily News that they feel threatened because the killer, SPO2 Cresente Dacillo, is a member of the Philippine National Police.
They also feared their witnesses would recant their statements.
Dacillo is now detained at Pardo police station where he surrendered after the shooting Callego in barangay Bulacao last week.
Chief Supt. Marcelo Garbo, chief of Police Regional Office in Central Visayas, said Callego and her family can visit his office to seek police assistance.
Garbo also ordered an administrative investigation against Dacillo, who reportedly shot the vendor in a spurt of jealousy.
Dacillo said he acted in self-defense when he shot Callego who was buying sardines at the policeman’s sari-sari store tended by his wife.
A homicide charge was filed against Dacillo with the Cebu City prosecutor’s office.
Callego’s live-in partner, Jane Gimena, said the victim was unarmed and that it was not true that a shootout almost happened. She said the policeman wrongly suspected that Callego had an interest in his wife.
Responding policemen said they found a .45 caliber handgun under the victim’s body but the gun could have been planted. / CORRESPONDENT CHITO O. ARAGON