Homicide raps for Medellin mayor

CEBU, Philippines - The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-7 formally filed a complaint against the mayor of Medellin, Cebu, before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office for the death of his head of security.

CIDG investigator PO3 Arnold Bocayong filed a homicide case yesterday at 3:30 p.m. against Mayor Ricardo Ramirez for the killing of Edelberto Abao, 57.

Bocayong said they attached in the complaint the affidavit of four witnesses, one of them a son of Abao, a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Medellin.

Bocayong said they took time in filing the complaint against Ramirez because they investigated the incident thoroughly.

He said the camp of the mayor was invited to go to their office so the police can get their side but they opted not to go.

Dr. Oliver Earl Aliño said Abao died because of a heart attack due to a gunshot wound.

Ramirez, in an interview with The FREEMAN, said he is happy that the complaint has been filed at last.

“I am happy that the complaint has been filed in the prosecutor’s office, for how many days I have been waiting,” Ramirez said.

Ramirez said he will immediately file his counter-affidavit once so ordered.

Ramirez also asked the CIDG-7 why they will not identify their witnesses.

“Is it because of an alleged connection to a politician?” he said.

Abao was shot in the public market in Medellin last December 27 while with Ramirez and members of the mayor’s squad in visiting the market.

Abao slumped on a chair after sustaining a gunshot wound to the thigh. The members of the mayor’s squad then immediately rushed Abao to the hospital for medical treatment.

Days after he admitted in the hospital he died because of a heart attack due to the gunshot wound. –/BRP (FREEMAN)