Murder case filed vs cops tagged in summary execution of alleged motorcycle thieves
MANILA, Philippines—A complaint for murder and car theft has been filed with the Department of Justice (DOJ) in connection with the death of three men in Aurora, Isabela last May 3.
Named in the complaint by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) were Anti-Organized and Transnational Crime Division – Death Investigation Unit (AOTCD-DIU) Senior Police Officer1 Randolph Cauan, Senior Inspector Sherwin Concha, Insp. Rey Lopez, SPO3, Julian Obrero III, PO2 Alex Abalos, PO2 Jose Soliven II, and PO2 Eduardo Apan.
Facing a separate complaint for obstruction of justice are incumbent Aurora, Isabela Mayor William Uy, Bienvenido Abalos and Edna Salvador, Administrative Officer for Isabela Municipal Office.
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Based on the complaint, the victims Johnny L. Bangit, Noel Lacuata Te-od, and Gabriel Dapio Ternio were arrested May 3 at the Aurora Public Market in Aurora, Isabela for alleged stealing a motorcycle with plate number 3297 BS. They were subsequently brought to the Aurora PNP Office.
However, the victims went missing and were later found dead in a shallow grave in a farm in Barangay (Village) Bagong Tanza, Aurora, Isabela owned by one Bienvenido Abalos, father of PO2 Abalos on June 2. They sustained gunshot wounds in the head.
Included in the complaint is the sworn statement of motorcycle owner Jeffrey Asuncion.
Article continues after this advertisementAsuncion claimed that his motorcycle was stolen between 9 p.m. on April 30 up to 1 a.m. on May 1. He reported the matter to the police.
Article continues after this advertisementOn May 3, he was informed by his relative that his motorcycle was spotted near the Aurora Public Market, which led him to proceed to the area.
Upon reaching the location, Asuncion claimed policemen prevented him from going near the motorcycle so that they would be able to arrest the “carnapper.”
Asuncion said he saw the policemen arrest the victims, one of whom was about to board his motorcycle and the other two about to board a separate motorcycle.
Asuncion also claimed that he went to the police station to retrieve his motorcycle but was instructed by the policemen to just go home and await their call.
He said he was then summoned at the house of Mayor Uy and Salvador told him not to tell anything about the arrest last May 3.
The sworn statements of the relatives of the victims also formed part of the complaint where they claimed that the three were bound for Tabuk, Kalinga to sell corn and buy a motorcyle on the day they were last seen alive.
Relatives of the victims, namely Jenevieve Te-od, Grail Ternio, and Marlyn Bangit also joined the NBI as complainants.
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