Charges filed vs suspect in cop's killing

CEBU, Philippines - Regional Trial Court Branch 18 Presiding Judge Gilbert Moises yesterday denied the petition for a writ of habeas corpus of Alfredo Llamedo Rama, the suspect in the killing of PO1 William Mangubat.

Mangubat, a rookie policeman, was killed while responding to a robbery alarm in sitio Mananga 2, barangay Tabunok, Talisay City last March 11, 2011.

Judge Moises denied the petition on the ground that cases were already filed against Rama for illegal possession of firearms and illegal drugs pushing.

Rama’s mother Angela, in her petition, stated that at around 6:00 in the morning of March 20, 2011, police officers armed with long firearms immediately arrested her son near their house in Upper Villa Bulsita, Bulacao Pardo, Cebu City without a warrant of arrest.

Rama was arrested as the firearm used in the killing of PO1 Mangubat was pawned to him. Rama, however, denied it.

Rama was charged yesterday for violation of Republic Act 8294 for allegedly carrying an unlicensed caliber 45 and a magazine loaded with live ammunition. Also, police say he did not have a permit to possess and carry a firearm.

An P80,000-bail is recommended for the illegal possession of firearms case.

 Rama was likewise charged separately yesterday for violating Section E of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002”.

No bail is recommended for the illegal drugs charge.

Earlier, the Capitol handed out an award to Mangubat’s family for Mangubat’s heroism. Governor Gwendolyn Garcia also gave cash assistance to his family. — (FREEMAN)