Ma of cop in alleged duel claims foul play

CEBU, Philippines - The mother of one of the two policemen who allegedly shot each other dead has claimed foul play and called that justice be served for her son.

The National Bureau of Investigation has exhumed last Friday the body of PO1 Rey Gabutan for reautopsy.

Gabutan’s mother, Emma, yesterday said that they are now waiting for the report of the NBI. Although she is morally convinced that there was foul play in her son’s death.

Emma said the result of the earlier ballistic examination conducted by Dr. Nestor Sator, chief of the PNP Crime Laboratory 7, would already suffice foul play in the incident.

“Naglibog gyud ko nganong moingon sila nga draw, di gyud ko motoo (I am confused why they would say that it was a draw. I don’t believe it),” an emotional Emma told The Freeman.

Emma said that they could not pinpoint anybody as suspect and would trust the NBI to find out who was the real culprit and bring him/ her before the court.

“Ikiha gyud, mangita gyud mi sa hustisya, kaboutan sa ako anak anaon lang nila (We will really file charges to seek justice for my son),” Emma said.

Emma cited some findings which could establish foul play in the death of her son and cousin, PO1 Anthony Gonzales.

Gabutan was detailed at the Guadalupe Police Station while Gonzales was assigned in Siquijor Provincial Police Office but they both reside in Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City.

They were drinking inside the house of PO3 Arnel Palanas, who is assigned in Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Dental Service when the incident happened last March 23.

They were PO2 Lejay Gumandal who is assigned in Bohol Provincial Police Office and Palanas’ reported girlfriend Natalie Apostol.

Gabutan was shot in the right temple, nape, right arm and right chest.

“Sa tangkugo ang igo sa ako anak, kanang upat ka igo, makabawos pa diay? (My son was shot in the nape and was hit four times, would you believe he can return fire?)” asked Emma.

Sator’s autopsy results also show that Gonzales was seated when he was shot in the upper left chest. The bullet hit his aorta and right lung.

Like, Emma, the father of Gonzales, Victorio, also raised the possibility of foul play. Both families of the two policemen are now entrusting to the NBI their quest for justice.—/FPL (FREEMAN)