PRO-7 mulls reward to help get cop's killer

CEBU, Philippines - Officials of the Police Regional Office-7 are mulling dangling a reward for information leading to the capture of 23-year-old Anthony “Ton-ton” Aves, who allegedly shot and killed PO2 Benjamin Racaza last week in sitio Litmon, Barangay Dumlog, Talisay City.

PRO-7 director Chief Supt. Lani-O Nerez said they are using all the resources of the Philippine National Police to arrest him and give justice to the family of Racaza.

Nerez explained that they cannot yet immediately put a prize on Aves’ head because the case has to pass through a certain process. But if his arrest becomes a remote possibility, they will then push through with the reward.

The PRO-7 director has already directed the Cebu City Police Office headed by Sr. Supt. Patrocinio Comendador to coordinate with the Talisay City Police Office headed by Supt. Henry Biñas in the investigation.

Nerez said that they believe that the suspect was triggered to do the crime as he already had a previous grudge against the policeman.

They are positive that Aves will soon be arrested especially with the recovery of the 9mm service firearm of Racaza which was taken by Aves after shooting the policeman dead.

The weapon is now at the custody of Crime Laboratory for macro-etching examination. In behalf of late policeman, his family will receive all his benefits, Nerez said.

As reported, Aves, who already charged for murder years before, shot and killed Racaza in the head while the latter was looking at the roosters Aves was offering to sell to him.  — Niña G. Sumacot/BRP (THE FREEMAN)