Cop who shot jail visitor dead in Danao grounded

CEBU, Philippines - The police officer who shot dead a former security guard inside the Danao City Police Station Wednesday night has been placed under camp restrictions while waiting for possible charges against him.

Acting Danao City police chief Reyco Romaguera placed SPO4 Jose Salingua Jr. under camp restrictions and confiscated his Caliber .45 service firearm. He was also relieved from his duties and responsibilities as radio operator pending investigation.

Salingua killed Domiciano Estocado inside the police station after the latter tried to wrestle the service firearm of SPO3 Aresteo Espina.

Estocado visited his younger brother Jenny who was detained at the police station after he surrendered Monday on charges of murder committed in Bacolod City. Espina, who was the desk officer and jailer at the same time, frisked Estocado before allowing him to see his brother.

However, Estocado tried to grab Espina’s firearm but did not succeed. He grappled for the firearm prompting Salingua to respond.

Salingua shot Estocado in his right thigh but the latter pulled out a kitchen knife from his waist and attacked him. Salingua was forced to fire another shot hitting Estocado in the body.

Estocado was immediately rushed to the Danao City District Hospital but he was declared dead on arrival.

Acting Cebu Provincial Police Office chief Louie Oppus said he is waiting for the special investigation report from Danao City to determine whether or not there is a need to direct the Provincial Intelligence and Detective Management Branch to conduct their own investigation.

Oppus said if they find legal basis they will file administrative case against Salingua.

Meanwhile Estocado’s brother was already turned over yesterday to the personnel of the Bacolod City Police Station who came to fetch him yesterday morning. (FREEMAN)