Dumpit conviction “Win-win decision”

CEBU, Philippines- One of the lawyers of controversial policeman Adonis Dumpit has considered his conviction as a “win-win decision.”

Despite the court’s verdict finding Dumpit guilty of homicide and meting him a penalty of up to nine years imprisonment, defense lawyer Pedro Leslie Salva has claimed “partial victory.”

Salva, in an interview over dyLA, said he considered the decision as “victory” because the court has downgraded the case from murder to homicide.

Salva’s assisting counsel, Benjamin Militar, even lauded Regional Trial Court Branch 6 Judge Ester Veloso for her “thorough decision.”

“We just say Judge Veloso did a very great job, being very fair even during the trial, we appreciate her demeanor as a judge,” Militar said.

Although the defense appeared to be satisfied with the decision, Militar said they still consider filing a motion for reconsideration. Salva even mentioned the possibility of making an appeal.

The defense counsels reiterated that Dumpit was just doing his job when he killed suspected robber Ronron Go in December 2004.

Go’s mother, Janeth Badana, was emotional when she heard the verdict. Badana said “she respects the court decision.”

Despite the conviction, Badana said it is still premature for her to be celebrating, saying that the battle is not yet over.

She admitted that until now she has not forgiven Dumpit for killing her eldest son.

DISAPPOINTED

Dumpit’s conviction has demoralized his colleagues in the police service. Supt. Pablo Labra II, chief of the Regional Intelligence Division, said he was expecting acquittal because Dumpit was on a legitimate operation when the incident happened.

“Ako kahibalo ko nga ang operation was a legitimate one and from the start we expect nga mahatagan ug desisyon nga pabor ni Dumpit,” Labra said.

Labra said the Police Regional Office-7 is behind Dumpit in this case. In fact, PRO-7 director, Chief Superintendent Prudencio Bañas, said he would provide financial assistance to Dumpit.

“I appeal to provide financial assistance as this happened in the performance of his function and we are looking into providing him with legal counsel,” Bañas said.

Senior Superintendent Edward Carranza, PRO-7 chief of staff, however, said that the court decision should be respected.

“It is a normal reaction of the PNP to support their own but as member of the criminal justice system we have to respect the ruling of the court even if we lose a very good shooter and an instructor in firearms proficiency,” Carranza said.

Supt. Henry Biñas, deputy chief of the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Branch, said that Dumpit is already disqualified from holding public office because of his conviction.

Acting Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella said that Dumpit’s conviction should serve as lesson for policemen to always observe the rule of law.

“Always observe the rule of law and if it is only when the situation calls for you to do what is necessary, then you will do it but beforehand, observe the rule of law. Meaning, do not take the law into your own hand unless your life is in danger,” Labella reminded the police.

He said that everyone should respect the decision of the court without prejudice to taking the necessary legal actions. (Mylen P. Manto, Garry B. Lao, Ria Mae Y. Booc, and Jean Marvette A. Demecillo/FPL) (FREEMAN)