Robbery suspect's body exhumed

CEBU, Philippines - The National Bureau of Investigation–7 has exhumed the corpse of the 17-year-old robbery suspect who was shot dead by a policewoman during a hot pursuit operation earlier this month in Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City.

The body of Ryle Alex Caburnay, of Barangay Tisa, was disinterred from his grave at the Calamba Cemetery following a complaint filed by his relatives before the Commission on Human Rights–7.

CHR-7 says that the exhumation was to clarify doubts on how Ryle was shot dead by PO2 Leah Juarez of the Cebu Provincial Intelligence Branch last June 7 at M. Velez St.

CHR supervising investigator Primo Cadampog said the Caburnays asked for their help to investigate the incident saying somebody told them Ryle was shot even after he already surrendered to the police.

Rodulfo Paque, CHR investigator, said they requested the assistance of the NBI medico-legal service to comply with procedural standards.

NBI-7 medico-legal officer Dr. Rene Cam confirmed earlier autopsy results that Ryle succumbed to a single gunshot wound to the left side of chest with the bullet exiting from his back. 

Cam did not elaborate on other findings due to the sensitivity of the allegations and because the investigation is still being led by the CHR-7.

Ryle was killed after a motorcycle chase from Cardinal Rosales Ave. inside the Cebu Business Park to Barangay Guadalupe where he was cornered and killed.

He was suspected of robbing a 31-year-old woman, who works in one of the firms at the Cebu Business Park, with his cousin Richard Baculi who was driving their motorcycle.

Raylen, the mother of Ryle, she said Juarez could have simply fired a warning shot to stop her son in his tracks.

Despite being investigated, Juarez received commendations from the Cebu Provincial Police Office, Police Regional Office-7 and Cebu City South District Rep. Tomas Osmeña. 

The CHR will also look into the claim Ryle was unarmed when he was shot.

“Sigon sa parents wa na’y armas ang suspect dihang naghigda na pero sa pulis naa pa’y armas…mao ni among klaruhon,” Cadampog said.

The CHR is waiting for the result of the second autopsy on Ryle. The first autopsy was conduced by the PNP.  (FREEMAN)