Police: Robbers are behind slay

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Police Office director Patrocinio Comendador can still not say if vigilantes are behind the killing of a man who just posted bail for a drug-related case last Wednesday.

Comendador said they are eyeing the possibility that Raul Dadang, a resident of Ozamiz City, was killed by his fellow criminals who might have been angered after he revealed their whereabouts and illegal activities to the police.

Like the assailants of 40-year-old Richard Mañala, a suspected pickpocket from Basilan, two men riding in tandem on a motorcycle, shot and killed Dadang during a stoplight at 4 p.m. last Wednesday along Osmeña Blvd. and sped towards barangay Pasil.

Mañala, who was arrested last Friday after allegedly taking the wallet of an American, was gunned down in barangay Carreta past 9 p.m. Tuesday.

While suspicions were raised that both killings were done by so-called vigilantes, Comendador, however, would not confirm, though he said this is among the angles being investigated.

He said it can also be that Mañala was killed by his companions, after the suspect gave information to the police about a group of thieves that arrived in Cebu.

“It could be in their code of silence…ang mupiya-it must die,” he said.

The CCPO director has also said that these killings should be a warning to criminals not to disrespect the Sinulog festivities with their activities.

Dadang, according to Investigation and Detective Management Branch of CCPO head Chief Insp. George Ylanan, was arrested during a checkpoint at Gen. Maxilom Avenue corner Juana Osmeña St after he was found with an ice pick and drug paraphernalia.

The suspect told the police that his companions were staying in a pension house along Pelaez St. but when police immediately responded they failed to find the suspect’s cohorts.

Ylanan further disclosed that Dadang was also arrested by the Theft and Robbery Section last year for pickpocketing.

Comendador called on those who will attend the Sinulog activities not to feel scared.

“Ang mga criminal mao’y angayan nga mahadlok tungod sa mga nahitabo apan ang mga tarong nga tawo wala’y angay nga kahadlokan,” he added. — Niña G. Sumacot/BRP   (FREEMAN NEWS)