CEBU, Philippines - The policeman accused of killing a neighbor last week was transferred to the Cebu City Police Office stockade yesterday following reports he was enjoying special treatment while he was detained in the Pardo Police Station.
CCPO Director Melvin Ramon Buenafe ordered the transfer of SPO2 Cresante Dacillo after the family of Primo “June” Gallego Jr. sought help from the police.
Buenafe also ordered the Investigation and Detective Management Branch to investigate the alleged special treatment.
Pardo Police Station chief Melbert Esguerra clarified yesterday that there was no special treatment given to Dacillo.
Esguerra said they treated Dacillo like any other detainee under their custody.
“There was only miscommunication between us,” he claimed.
He, however, admitted they brought Dacillo out of the detention cell several times for the purpose of investigation.
Esguerra said that what happened last Wednesday, when Primo’s family and friends passed by their station and saw Dacillo outside his cell, was done for his own safety.
“We were trying to protect the suspect, maybe something will happen to him in the hands of the victim’s relatives because the detention cell is separate from our building,” he said.
Primo was buried yesterday at the Carreta Public Cemetery.
Hazel, 37, Primo’s sister, told The FREEMAN she saw Dacillo last Wednesday at the second floor of the Pardo Police Station laughing at them.
Dacillo was not in handcuffs, she said.
Dacillo is already facing a homicide charge, but the victim’s family wants it upgraded to murder.
The policeman shot Primo dead Monday last week in Barangay Bulacao.
The victim was reportedly buying sardines from the Dacillo’s sari-sari store when the incident occurred. Dacillo claimed that he shot Primo in self-defense.
A witness, who wished anonymity, said the victim was unarmed when he was shot.
He said the gun recovered at the crime scene alleged to be owned by the victim was actually planted by the suspect. (FREEMAN)