Chief tanod linked to Osorio killing surrenders

CEBU, Philippines – The chief tanod of Barangay Maghaway, Talisay City, who was accused as one of those who killed Assistant City Prosecutor Patrick Brian Osorio, voluntarily surrendered to police yesterday following the issuance of the warrant of arrest against him. 

Allan Sinogat, 31, said he voluntarily surrendered to the police authority to clear his name and remain true to his promise.

“Gituman nako ang akong saad na once naa na ang warrant, mo-surrender g’yud ko. Atubangon na nako. Wa man ko nahadlok kay wa man ko’y sala. Salig lang ko sa taas. Salig ko sa hustisya,” Sinogat said.

He explained he surrendered not because he admits being one of the suspects in the killing of the fiscal but because he wanted to clear his name and prove his innocence. In fact, he said, after his first arrest on June 18, he frequented the Cebu City Police Office because he was waiting for the issuance of the warrant of arrest.

The warrant of arrest for the case of murder, issued by Judge Silvestre Maamo. Jr of the Regional Trial Court branch 17 dated July 1, 2009, was implemented around 2 p.m. by the Cebu City Police Office’s Homicide Section led by Insp. Vicente Velasquez.

Two weeks ago, operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-7 arrested Sinogat during a raid in his house for illegal possession of firearms but he was released after he posted a bail of P60,000.

During the raid, police recovered aassorted firearms and ammunitions from the house of Sinogat and the four other suspects. All five of them admitted keeping unlicensed firearms but said these were not used for crime but only for their protection.

The other night, Sinogat said he decided to sleep at the CIDG-7 stockade after learning that the warrant of arrest against him would be implemented the following morning.

Meanwhile, CCPO director Patrocinio Comendador said that, within the parameters of the Philippine National Police, the case is considered solved as one of the suspects was already arrested and the case has already been elevated to court.

However, he added that the Task Force Osorio will continue the investigation as the alleged gunman, Lyndon Jurandoy, also of Barangay Maghaway and the possible mastermind are not yet arrested.

Also yesterday, the court issued a commitment order for the imprisonment of Sinogat at the Cebu City Jail with no bail recommended.

Osorio, 36, was shot and killed last January 6 on Ma. Gochan St., Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City while driving his car on his way home. — Niña G. Sumacot/WAB (THE FREEMAN)