Murder "mastermind" surrenders

CEBU, Philippines – One of the alleged masterminds in the killing of a man in Sitio Himongbongan, Barangay Taloot, Argao, Cebu surrendered to the Argao Police Station on November 23, 2010.

Sammy Albarracin went to the police station in Argao to surrender. Judge Maximo Perez issued a warrant of arrest against Albarracin and his wife, Police Officer 1 Virgilia Albarracin, and an unknown suspect. Virgilia used to be assigned at the Argao Police Station but has since been at-large.

The warrant of arrest was issued on October 18, 2010. No bail was recommended for the accused.

PO2 Herosaga Benjamin told The FREEMAN that Sammy already committed before Judge Perez for the order of arrest issued against him.

In the evening of September 9, 2007, Sammy allegedly shot to death Alejandro Caminade who was playing "mahjong" in Sitio Himongbongan in the house of Marinel Caminade.

The accused reportedly approached the victim and shot him in the head,causing his immediate death. Witnesses said that after the shooting, the accused fled.

On the other hand, the sister of the victim, Apolinaria Caminade told The FREEMAN that she is happy one of the accused in the killing of her brother had surrendered.

"I am happy but only one percent because PO1 Virgilia Albarracin kay wala paman ni surrender og kanang wa pa mailhi."

She added that for now, the justice they got is not complete. They hope the other accused will also surrender.

Apolinaria said that they do not know the motive of the killing as they were not aware of any misunderstanding and conflict between the victim and the accused.

She said the lawyers of the Albarracin filed a motion to dismiss the case without their knowledge and it was even subject of a hearing last November 15. She said she was not even furnished a copy of the motion filed. (FREEMAN)