Labra defends Dumpit

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Deputy for Operations Paul Labra yesterday took the witness stand to defend a fellow officer, SPO1 Adonis Dumpit, who is facing charges over the death of a 17-year-old suspected robber six years ago.

Labra, as defense witness, told the court that a shootout happened on December 14, 2004 in Barangay Villagonzalo II, Cebu City, where Ron-ron Go died.

Labra’s testimony contradicted the prosecution’s statement that no shoot-out happened and that Dumpit deliberately shot Go.

Dumpit’s legal counsel, lawyer Pedro Leslie Salva, said the statement of Labra would strengthen their case.

“SPO1 Dumpit is innocent of the charges,” Labra later told the media in an interview after the hearing.

But the mother of Ron-ron Go, Janeth Badana, told The FREEMAN that the testimony of Labra was inconsistent.

“Nganung magpaliko-liko paman. Niduol ko sa korte harun makuha ang justice. But ang ilang statement moliko paman sa Liloan, Compostela. How can we get justice from it. Dili gyud ta maabot sa finish line ani,” Badana explained.

She added that Labra was not even around during the incident, although three other policemen were there. She insisted that her son did not die in the middle of a shoot-out.

Dumpit is facing a murder charge for allegedly killing Go. (FREEMAN)