Probe ordered into shooting of tanod

CEBU, Philippines – Provincial Police Director Erson Digal yesterday ordered an investigation into the shooting of a tanod of Barangay Poblacion, Samboan evening last Friday.

Digal ordered the probe after a settlement between the family of tanod Manuel Balbuena and the alleged suspect, PO2 Catalino Ricablanca, failed.

 “Nianhi sa CPPO ang relatives ni Balbuena for settlement apan wa mahusay,” Digal said.

Digal ordered an ocular inspection of the compound in Samboan where Ricablanca shot Balbuena. The tanod’s family insists Balbuena was not bringing a knife , but just a bamboo stick at that time he was shot, contrary to Ricablanca’s statement that Balbuena had attacked him, which prompted him to open fire.

Balbuena’s family said the police overreacted to the incident.

The incident happened when another tanod reported that a man under the influence of alcohol went wild at his residence.

Ricablanca, one of the policemen who responded to the report, said he saw Balbuena bringing a knife and was creating trouble in the compound.

Ricablanca said they advised Balbuena to put down the knife, but Balbuena just ignored them and instead attacked Ricablanca by stabbing him on his right arm.

Ricablanca then fired a warning shot, but Balbuena allegedly continued to attack him, forcing him to shoot him on the leg using his M16 service firearm.

Digal said he has already ordered the Samboan police to also submit a report on the incident. (FREEMAN)