For murder: Controversial cop charged in court

CEBU, Philippines – Controversial policeman Adonis Dumpit was charged in court for murder over the death of a suspected robber in barangay Tejero more than four years ago.

The Office of the Ombudsman for the Military indicted Dumpit of the crime of murder for allegedly killing Ronron Go in the evening of December 14, 2004 in sitio Sampaguita, Villagonzalo II.

Dumpit and two other policemen, Police Officers 3 Ruel Hortellano and Porferio Gabuya, were on a follow-up operation of a PUJ robbery after the mother of one of the victims sought their assistance.

Go, who was Dumpit’s neighbor in Tejero, was then identified by the victim as one of the robbers. Dumpit, together with Hortellano and Gabuya, chanced upon Go in Villagonzalo II that afternoon.

According to witnesses, Go tried to run away from Dumpit but the latter shot him from behind. Based on the autopsy report of the National Bureau of Investigation, Go was hit twice in the back, causing his death.

Dumpit claimed that what he did was self-defense. According to him, a certain Elizabeth Corro sought his help because her daughter, Kimberly, was robbed inside a PUJ and that Go was identified as one of the suspects.

The policeman said they went to Go’s house to verify his whereabouts but failed to find him there. However, on their way home, a certain Jimmy Mendiola signaled him that a group of armed robbers was on the way to the house of a certain Pepe Regis.

Dumpit said he immediately went to the opposite direction to meet them. Dumpit said when he saw Go’s group, a certain Junjun Gador fired at him, prompting him to seek cover.

As Dumpit positioned himself to return fire, Go allegedly appeared with his gun pointed at him, forcing him to shoot Go. Dumpit said after hitting Go, he personally brought him to the hospital.

The Ombudsman, however, dismissed Dumpit’s claim. Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer Anafe Manlapaz found the testimonies of the witnesses consistent with the autopsy report.

Manlapaz also took notice of the result of the paraffin test on Go, which showed he was negative of gunpowder.

The Ombudsman found probable cause to indict Dumpit but resolved to dismiss the complaint against Hortellano and Gabuya for lack of evidence. The Ombudsman did not recommend bail for Dumpit’s temporary liberty. – Fred P. Languido/LPM (THE FREEMAN)