Cop kills Indian, barangay official
By Mar S. Arguelles
A police officer and his brother were arrested after allegedly killing an Indian national and a barangay councilor.
A police report said the suspects were identified as Corporal Bryan Aguilar of Barangay Maporong, a crime investigator assigned at the Polangui Municipal Police Station and Raymond Isaac Salanga, 23, of Barangay Mendez, also in Polangui.
Maj. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Bicol police spokesperson, said the victims were Parmindes Singh, an Indian national, of Barangay Gabon, Polangui, Albay, and Marlon Rebusquillo, 43, a councilman of Barangay Maporong of the same town.
They were allegedly gunned down by Aguilar along a road in Oas, Albay on Jan. 21.
Later in the day, Aguilar returned to the crime scene where he was arrested while Salanga was nabbed in his residence.
According to the police report, the suspects and Singh, whom they abducted, were negotiating a road in Barangay Maporong at about 9:00 AM on Friday, Jan. 21 when their car, driven by Aguilar, lost control and fell on a rice field.
Rebusquillo and a companion chanced upon the accident and were approaching the car when they were fired at by Aguilar.
The Indian national was also shot by the police officer, according to Rebusquillo’s companion who was unharmed.
Aguilar and his brother fled using Rebusquillo’s motorcycle.
The suspects are now facing double murder charges.
In a statement, Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, PRO-5, assured justice for the victims.
“We shall not be lenient on this issue. We will file appropriate criminal and administrative charges against the suspect and ensure that justice is served. We do not have any room for this kind of police in our ranks," Estomo stated.
He also reminded members of the Police Regional Office 5 to be worthy government workers.
“I'm reminding all members of the Bicol police. As public servants, we have a big responsibility to make Bicolanos safe. We must abide by our oath to give honest service. Let us not be involved in wrongdoings that have no place in our organization,” Estomo said. (with report from Connie Calipay)