Dumpit claims self-defense in death of robbery suspect

Controversial policeman Adonis Dumpit broke his silence on the recommendation of the National Police Commission to hold dismissal proceedings against him in relation to the killing of a robbery suspect almost two years ago.

Dumpit told reporters yesterday he will face the proceedings with the same defense -that he shot robbery suspect Ron-Ron Allosada Go in sitio Villagonzalo II, barangay Tejero, in self-defense.

Dumpit said he has nothing to worry about because he reportedly followed everything in the rules of engagement when the incident happened as it was Go who allegedly fired his gun first and he did not have any choice but to fire back.

"Ang motto namo sa police, go home alive," Dumpit half-jokingly told reporters.

He said the statement of a witness against him was allegedly fabricated the witnesses was reportedly out of town during the incident.

Zandro Ronnie Oriol, a lawyer who investigated the complaint filed by Go's mother, recommended that summary dismissal proceedings be conducted against Dumpit for grave misconduct.

Oriol said Dumpit never denied that he shot Go although he justified his action as an act of self-defense and in fulfillment of his duty as a police officer as provided under Article 11, Section 1 and 5 of the Revised Penal Code.

Napolcom said that with Dumpit's admission, the burden of proof now lies with Dumpit to prove that the killing was under justifiable circumstances as provided under the law.

Dumpit said he was off-duty that day of the incident when a woman called for him outside his house because her daughter was allegedly robbed by two armed men. The descriptions of one of the suspects reportedly fit Go.

With the information he went to Go's house to find him, after finding out that Go was not home, Dumpit decided to go home but came upon a certain Jimmy Mendiola who told him where the robbery suspects were headed.

Dumpit said he found out that one of the suspects was indeed Go. A certain Jun-Jun Bador, Go's companion, allegedly fired at him first but missed. Dumpit allegedly heard another shot coming from the two and saw that it was Go with a gun pointed at him. Dumpit then fired a shot to disable the suspect.

Dumpit said he immediately brought Go to the Cebu City Medical Center but the suspect died in the hospital while his other companion was arrested by the members of the Special Weapon and Tactics team. - Joeberth M. Ocao