PIDMB joins probe of cop’s death

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Investigation and Detection Management Branch of the Cebu Provincial Police Office will assist the Minglanilla police in investigating the killing of PO2 Omar Parages last Sunday afternoon.

PIDMB chief, Senior Supt. Rodolfo Albotra, said all angles will be looked into but personal or work-related angles are being considered as early as now. He said they have identified “persons of interests” and are now gathering statements from witnesses and from Parages’ family.

Albotra said that  based on reports, Parages never had any derogatory record while in service. In fact, he had a good reputation while handling the Police Community Relations of the Minglanilla Police. Often, policemen without derogatory records are the ones assigned to handle the PCR.

Albotra said he has already ordered the Minglanilla Police Station to submit a report of the shooting incident. Investigation is ongoing, especially that reports placed Parages as having participated in an illegal cockfight known locally as tigbakay.

Albotra reminded police officers that they are not allowed to participate in any illegal gambling or even be present in the area where it is being conducted.

“Ang tigbakay illegal man gyud na bawal gyud na, i-discourage g’yud nato to go to these places even sa mga legal nga cockfighting arena,” he said.  (FREEMAN)