Sec Remulla lauds conviction of 4 policemen for killing of father and son during illegal drugs operation in 2016
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla on Wednesday, June 19, lauded the conviction of four policemen for the killing of a father and his son in 2016 during an alleged anti-illegal drugs operation at the victims' home in Caloocan City.
"This conviction is a milestone in our criminal justice system, a testament of the government’s unwavering efforts to safeguarding human rights in the pursuit of justice and a clear proof of a functioning justice system,” said Remulla in a statement.
“This serves as a reminder to abusive police officers that no one is above the law, justice will eventually catch up with them,” he added.
Last June 18, Caloocan City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judgte Ma. Rowena Violago Alejandria convicted P/Msgt. Virgilio Q. Cervantes, P/Cpl. Arnel De Guzman, P/Cpl. Johnston M. Alacre and P/Cpl. Artemio Saguros Jr. of homicide for the killing on Sept. 15, 2016 of Luis Saldana Bonifacio and his 19-year-old son Gabriel.
The killing of the Bonifacios happened inside their home in Bagong Barrio, Caloocan City during an alleged illegal drugs operations.
The four police officers were sentenced to a prison term ranging from six years, eight months and 21 days to 10 years.
They were also ordered to solidarily pay the heirs of the victims P100,000 in actual damages; P100,000 in civil indemnity; P100,000 in moral damages; and P100,000 in temperate damages.