Policeman witness affirms confession of Osorio "gunman"

CEBU, Philippines - The prosecution has presented the policeman who prepared the waiver and extra judicial confession of Lyndon Horandoy, the alleged gunman who killed Assistant City Prosecutor Patrick Osorio.

SPO2 Vincent Taladura was presented by the prosecution to prove that Horandoy executed an extra-judicial confession admitting his participation in the killing of Fiscal Osorio.

In his testimony, Taladura said that on September 3, 2011, he prepared the waiver and extra judicial confession of Lyndon Horandoy who decided to admit the shooting incident.

He said it was on August 30, 2011, when Horandoy was arrested by the elements of City Intelligence Branch (CIB) in the mountains of Barangay Guba, Cebu City, by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Silvestre Maamo.

During the execution of extra judicial confession, he said the accused was assisted by private lawyer Jonathan Talabo.

He added before the inquiry, Talabo asked for a private conference with his client Horandoy. Taladura added that he did not know who called up Talabo.

After the conference, Taladura asked Horandoy if he want to proceed with the extra judicial confession and Horandoy allegedly said yes. Talabo then informed the accused of his right to remain silent.

Taladura said that during the interrogation, Horandoy confessed to tell the truth regarding the shooting incident that transpired on January 6, 2009.

Taladura revealed that he took photographs of the accused and his counsel during the execution of the extra-judicial confession.

When Private Prosecutor Danilo Yap showed Taladura the picture and asked if it was the same photograph, defense lawyer Daryll Amante manifested his opposition.

“No basis for presenting photographs,” Amante said.

However, the witness was allowed to answer.

Upon cross examination, Amante focused on Horandoy’s extra-judicial confession.

Amante asked Taladura if he informed the accused of his right to remain silent and right to have a lawyer of his own choice during the interrogation, which he affirmed.

Amante also asked the witness if Horandoy merely narrated the incident that transpired on January 6, 2009 when Osorio was shot at the corner of Maria Gochan Street and N. Bacalso Avenue, Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City which he answered in negative.

He said he asked questions for Horandoy’s guidance and for him to understand what he was talking about.

During the execution of extra-judicial confession, the live-in partner of the accused was present.

Maamo asked the witness if he did not consider the live-in partner of Horandoy to attest or sign as witness in the extra judicial confession and Taladura said he did not. — (FREEMAN)