IBP wants probe of Mandaue cop

The Cebu City Chapter of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines has asked the regional police office to investigate a Mandaue City policeman who frequently attends the hearings of the parricide case filed against cult leader Ruben Ecleo Jr.

In a letter to regional police director Silverio Alarcio, IBP-Cebu City chapter president Alex Tolentino said the private prosecutors of the case observed that a certain Insp. Samuel Panilagao is always present during the hearing.

"We find his presence unusual and beyond reason unless authorized by higher headquarters," said Tolentino.

S/Supt. Augusto Marquez, chief of the Regional Intelligence and Investigation Division, said he will immediately assign some of his men to look into Tolentino's request.

A copy of Tolentino's letter to Alarcio was also sent to the Mandaue City Police Office. The Freeman yesterday contacted the Mandaue City police and learned that Panilagao is assigned as nightshift officer at MCPO's Station 1 in barangay Centro.

The private prosecutors managed to secure footage showing Panilagao's presence during hearings of the case at the sala of Regional Trial Court Branch 9 judge Geraldine Faith Econg.

Private prosecutor Fritz Quiñanola earlier said Panilagao was seen accompanying Ecleo's group to some of the hearings, raising suspicions that he might be a member of the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association cult, of which Ecleo is the supreme master.

Although Panilagao's duty is at night, he will still be prohibited to act as Ecleo's bodyguard.

Ecleo is accused of killing his wife Alona inside their house in barangay Guadalupe. Her body was found inside a plastic garbage bag dumped in barangay Coro, Dalaguete town, on January 5, 2002.

The next hearing of the case is scheduled for Friday when defense counsel Orlando Salatandre will continue to cross-examine Generoso Matiga, the doctor who earlier testified that Ecleo is already fit to be sent back to jail following an examination. - Rene U. Borromeo