Prosecutors heave a sigh of relief

CEBU City Prosecutor Nicolas Sellon is elated with the conviction of the two men who were tagged in the 2009 killing of Assistant City Prosecutor Patrick Ian Osorio.

“I’m happy with the result of the case. That is a victory not only for Fiscal Osorio’s family but also for our office and the entire country. It goes to show that justice still prevails over evil,” Sellon told Cebu Daily News.

Sellon said they will continue to dispense justice without fear even if there were already two city prosecutors who were shot in the span of five years.

“We know our job is synonymous with risks. In prosecuting those accused with offenses, there will always be persons who will either be happy or get mad at us,” he said.

“There are parties who can’t accept our rulings. Instead of resulting to the legal process, they use their own force to get back at us. And we don’t know who our opponents are,” he added.

Osorio was driving his Toyota Revo AUV when heavy traffic forced him to slow down in Ma. Gochan Street in barangay Mambaling, Cebu City on Jan. 6, 2009.

This gave the gunman an opportunity get near the victim and open fire. Osorio sustained gunshot wounds on the right side of his body. He was brought to the hospital but died the following day.

Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Silvestre Maamo of Branch 17, last Friday, found the two persons who were tagged in the 2009 killing of Assistant City Prosecutor Patrick Ian Osorio.

Allan Senogat, 34, and Lyndon Horandoy, 29, were meted the penalty of reclusion perpetua or imprisonment of 20 to 40 years for murder.

Last Jan. 22, 2013, a Canadian national shot Assistant City Prosecutor Ma. Theresa Casiño while the latter was on her way to one of the courtrooms of the Palace of Justice.

Casiño sustained a gunshot wound on the nape but she survived the attack.

Sellon said people who feel aggrieved by their rulings should understand that they are just doing their job.

“Some of the aggrieved parties thought we have something personal against them. We could not blame them. Their lawyers should come in and explain to them our resolutions. The wrong perception should be corrected,” he said.

Assistant City Prosecutor Aida Sanchez said she’s aware of the hazards of the prosecution service when he decided to be a state lawyer.

“I just have to rely on God’s protection,” Sanchez said.

She’s hoping that the mastermind behind the death of Osorio will be identified and prosecuted.

“Justice isn’t completely served yet. We don’t know who the mastermind us. I nonetheless pray that his soul will be at peace,” Sanchez said.