For shooting dead an ex-con in Buhisan: Gayotin backs award for cop, but orders probe

City Police acting director Melvin Gayotin supported earlier a recommendation to confer an award to PO2 Jerome Java for his courageous act in shooting to death a former convict in barangay Buhisan last Monday.

Gayotin agreed with the suggestion of Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Branch chief Paul Labra to commend Java but still he ordered an investigation over the incident that resulted to the death of ex-Bagong Buhay Rehabilitation Center head inmate, or mayor de mayores.

Earlier Labra said there was no need for an investigation because what happened was a legitimate operation, and that Java should be awarded instead for showing a courageous act.

Gayotin, in ordering the probe, said it must be determined first if Java properly followed the rules of engagement at the time. The results of the probe would then be used to back the recommendation to confer an award to Java.

The recommendation would be forwarded to a higher officer and to the city government for the conferment of the award.

"Initial report sa homicide section was that there was a shoot-out, so mo-serve na to siya in line of duty. Pero mao na, there should be an investigation," Gayotin said.

Despite the investigation, however, Java will remain with the Punta Princesa Police station, his mother unit.

The case started when Luna, armed with a .45-caliber pistol, allegedly entered the house of Java, at about 7: 55 p.m., greeted the later saying "Maayong gabii, chief (good evening, chief)", and shot at the policeman without any apparent reason.

Java was quicker however to evade the gunshot and emerge unscathed, with enough time to retaliate.

Java said that, moments before the incident, people at a "peryahan (fair)" were seen scampering when Luna arrived there and ordered the activities stopped because he was going to celebrate Mass.

It has been a tradition in barangay Buhisan to have a fair as part of the festivities every time the feast of the Sto. Niño approaches. - Ryan P. Borinaga