CEBU CITY — Samantha Baringui-an was shocked to learn that a group of policemen were behind the gruesome killing of her parents one day after they were laid to rest.
“Wa ko kahibalo sa akong gibati. Nangurog ko sa kasuko na mga pulis diay ang involved (I can’t describe how I feel. I am trembling in anger because policemen were involved,” Baringui-an said on Monday, Feb. 21, a day when two policemen turned themselves in for their alleged involvement in the crime.
On Tuesday, Feb. 22, the Police Regional Office-Central Visayas (PRO 7) confirmed that four active police officers and a former policeman were behind the killing of Ma. Louela and Pedro Baringui-an.
Ma. Louela was a barangay councilor who was also running for a seat in the municipal council in the coming elections.
The killing took place in the couple’s house in Barangay Panadtaran, San Fernando last Feb. 13. The couple, who succumbed to gunshot wounds, were laid to rest on Tuesday, Feb. 22.
The suspects were identified as Police Staff Sgt. Rene Abella Catamora, Police Staff Sgt. Junrey Papaya Ypil, Police Staff Sgt. Junrey Batobalonos and former policeman Esmeraldo Obleanda Quillosa.
Police Brig. Gen. Eduardo Vega, chief of PRO 7, said robbery was the motive for the killing.
The three policemen surrendered to different police offices, while Quillosa surrendered to the San Fernando Police Station.
Vega said charges for robbery with double homicide were filed against the four suspects.
In the extra-judicial affidavit that Catamora executed, he implicated another policeman in the crime, identified as Police M/Sgt. Alvin Enad, who is assigned at the Ronda Police Station. Enad has already been placed under camp restriction.
Catamora confessed that he was bothered by his conscience that prompted him to surrender.
Catamora disclosed that Enas sustained a gunshot wound in the wrist after the couple’s son fired shots at them while they were about to flee.
Catamora also surrendered a Navara pick-up truck that was used as their get-away vehicle.
Vega assured of an impartial investigation.
He said further investigation will be conducted to determine if there are other personalities involved in the crime.
“I will make sure that no stones will be left unturned against these erring policemen. May this serve as a warning,” said Vega.