Slain policeman given sendoff by pa, family
From one father to another, 56-year-old Rogelio Estremos would rather recall the good memories he had of his son, P02 Gerlito Estremos yesterday.
“It is very painful that today, during Father’s day, my son is not with us. He is a good father and a provider not just for his children and wife but a good son to us,” the elder Estremos said as he fought back tears.
He said he would remember his son, who was buried at the San Nicolas public cemetery in barangay Calamba, Cebu City, as a hard working man both at the office and at home.
“I will always remember my son after he came home from work he would do the laundry and take good care of his children,” Estremos said.
PO2 Estremos was allegedly mauled by suspects James Flores and Ian Canseco before being shot down near a bank at P. del Rosario and Junquera Streets in Cebu City last week.
Flores was shot down by pursuing police while Canseco was arrested a few days after the incident.
Article continues after this advertisementEstremos’s wife Elmera said he told her that he would never leave her an hour before his death.
Article continues after this advertisementShe kept mentioning about his promise to never leave her before the Mass and after he was buried.
She also mentioned that Gerlito worked part-time as a “habal-habal” driver to earn extra income for his family and his parents.
“Especially when our power was cut off and he was unable to get his salary yet, he worked hard to earn so we can pay our bills,” she said. Gerlito’s family lived with his parents under one roof.
Fr. Mike Castillo, chaplain of the Police Regional Office (PRO-7) said “Gerlito is a model cop among law enforcers” and was an inspiration both to his family but to other policemen.
PO2 Lee Fernandez, president of the police’s Bigkis class 2006–2012 described Estremos as a good friend and a happy person.”
He said their batch will raise money for financial assistance to the family.
After the Mass held at the PRO-7, he was escorted by his batchmates on their way to San Nicolas Cemetery in Calamba. /Michelle Joy L. Padayhag, Correspondent
