Service gun of slain cop sold to police informant

CEBU, Philippines – Police have recovered the 9mm service pistol assigned PO2 Benjamin “Boyet” Racaza who was killed last Saturday evening in barangay Dumlog, Talisay City.

Cebu City Police Office Director Patrocinio Comendador said the firearm was recovered past midnight yesterday in barangay Pasil after the police informant to whom suspect Anthony Aves sold the firearm turned the gun over to the Mabolo Police Station.

However, Comendador said that the firearm’s serial number has already been tampered with and has been colored silver. The firearm was endorsed to the crime laboratory for micro-etching.

Comendador said they received reports that Aves is allegedly a gun-for-hire of drug lords but the same is yet to be confirmed.

Supt. Henry Biñas, chief of the Talisay City police, said a hot pursuit operation is being conducted against Aves and if he is not arrested within the period of the pursuit, he will be charged of murder.

Biñas said Aves may still be in Talisay City, although, they are not discounting the possibility that he may already have escaped.

Racaza, 31, who was assigned to the personnel division of the Police Regional Office 7, died Sunday morning after Aves shot him on the head. Aves has been jailed for five years in relation to another shooting incident.

Police said Aves was drinking with his companions, Horestes Morada and Jaymar Abellana, while Racaza was about to have a drink nearby with Jerry Intoma, a brother-in-law of Aves and handler of Racaza’s roosters.

Aves reportedly offered to sell his two roosters to Racaza but the latter reportedly told Aves to move his rooster so it will not fight with the other fighting cocks.

Moments later, a gunshot rang and Racaza fell to the ground, blood spurting out of his head.

“Mibalik pa gani si Aves unya iyang gitan-aw si Racaza nga gabuy-od unya miingon pa “nga patay na” ug dayun balik ug biya,” Intoma said. Cejas ran away while Intoma shouted for help.

Intoma said his brother-in-law is hot-tempered when he is drunk.

Policemen recovered an empty shell of a .45 cal. pistol at the crime scene but failed to arrest Aves who also took Racaza’s 9mm service firearm. — Niña G. Sumacot and Christopher Gabriel C. Bonjoc/JMO (THE FREEMAN)