Cop talked to ex-suitor before “shooting” self

CEBU, Philippines - A rookie policewoman admitted having misunderstanding with the female field training cop who allegedly committed suicide Friday last week.

Police Officer 1 Cyrelle Marie Bayate made the admission to Cebu City Police Office director Senior Superintendent Noli Romana during a re-enactment of the incidents prior to Police Officer 1 Heide Garcia’s death.

Romana said that the re-enactment yesterday was done to find out the truth behind Garcia’s death. Bayate, whose service firearm was used in the alleged suicide, is currently being held in custody and considered a suspect until the investigation is over.

Romana, however, said he found Bayate to be consistent in her narration of the incidents prior to the death of her roommate.

 “Nagkaroon tayo ng walk through…pina-back track natin ang circumstances that led to the fatal shooting of the victim. In search for truth and justice tong ginawa natin…satisfied naman ako sa kanyang statement,” Romana said.

Bayate said that early morning on Friday she was preparing to report to CCPO headquarters for a conference when she heard Garcia talking to someone on the phone.

Garcia allegedly told her that she was talking to another police trainee, Police Officer 1 Romeo Otoc. Bayate said she did not believe Garcia so she asked her again prompting the latter to admit that the person she was talking to was her former suitor, Police Officer 1 Mark Anthony dela Victoria.

Bayate said she asked Garcia to call him again and put him on a loud speaker but she refused.

“Sabi ko istoryahi’g balik, sabi niya nakausap niya si  Police Officer 1 Romeo Otoc, I’m just so doubtful, ana ko sa kanya sino ba yan? Ana siya si Police Officer 1 Mark Anthony dela Victoria, sabi niya dati nanguyab na niya,” Bayate narrated.

According to Bayate, she stood up to wear her uniform and Garcia tried to assist her. When she told Garcia that she could manage, the latter tried to help her with her watch but she also refused.

It was then that she heard a sound of a gun being cocked. When she looked back, Garcia was already holding her Glock pistol.

“Di ko talaga alam kinuha niya yung firearm ko, narinig ko lang nag-cock siya doon lang ako humarap sa kanya,” Bayate said.

“Nag-cock siya, doon nilingi ko niya, sabi ko sa kanya, My naa na pud ka nagsugod na pud ka, ana ko niya,” she added.

Bayate said she tried to come closer but Garcia pointed the gun on her chest.

“Instead nga ako untang kuhaon nilikay siya…bang! buto, niana siya ahhhh, ni-down siya, nakita ko talaga siya,” Bayate narrated.

She immediately went downstairs to call for help and saw his father, Senior Police Officer 1 Cirilo Bayate, talking to someone so she asked him to help but because he could no  longer bend she asked another person to help her carry Garcia to the hospital.

Unfortunately Garcia died at the Sacred Heart Hospital.

Romana has instructed the homicide investigators to conduct a complete profiling of Garcia to see how she deals with problems.

“Fortunately may medical exams na ginawa sa lahat ng PNP applicants bago pa andyan pa yung records. I would like to see the result Neuropsychiatric screening…to establish sa kanyang personality,” Romana said.

Romana said they are not ruling out yet the possibility of murder, homicide, or accidental firing.— (FREEMAN)