No bail for cop’s slay suspect

CEBU, Philippines - No bail was recommended for the temporary liberty of PO2 Gerlito Estremos' alleged triggerman.

Assistant City Prosecutor Simaco Labata on Saturday elevated the murder case against Ian Canseco, 34, a resident of Sambag II, Cebu City before the court.

The Cebu City Prosecutor's Office found probable cause to hold accused for trial after he waived his right to undergo preliminary investigation to answer the allegations filed against him.

Together with the city police, Labata went to the Cebu City Jail to conduct inquest proceedings against the accused.

The accused was brought before the City Jail on Thursday after Judge Samuel Malazarte of Regional Trial Court Branch 15 issued a commitment order.

The accused was arrested on the evening of June 10, 2013 in Barangay Kamagayan, Cebu City by virtue of a warrant of arrest for a violation of Section 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

The accused was identified by the witnesses as the one of the two suspects who reportedly mauled and killed the victim at 2:40 a.m.on June 8, 2013 in P.del Rosario St. Barangay Kamagayan.

The other suspect, James Flores, died during a shootout with policemen last week at Barangay Tisa.

On June 8, the victim was conducting a roving patrol while searching for two motorcycle-riding men who stole his helmet when he encountered the suspects at corner P. Del Rosario and Junquera Streets.

Meanwhile, Malazarte has Canseco's arraignment for illegal possession of drugs on June 25, 2012.

State Prosecutor Naruzen Delfin-Lorete elevated the case to the court after the accused failed to submit his counter-affidavit.

On July 20, 2012, the elements of Investigation Detective and Management Branch (IDMB) responded to an armed person alarm at San Miguel St., Barangay Lorega, Cebu City. Upon arrival, the police said they saw a person brandishing a handgun and chased him.

While chasing the armed person, the police said they chanced upon the accused and his cohort Antonio Cuevas Jr., in possession of shabu. PO1 Caator Garcia arrested Cuevas while the Canseco eluded arrest at that time.

The police recovered empty plastic packs, one big plastic pack of shabu containing 7.30 grams and pair of scissors, two pieces disposable lighters and an improvised funnel made of green plastic straw.—  /MIT (FREEMAN)