Police ready to face raps on “robber’s” death

CEBU, Philippines -  A police official has said they are willing to face any charges that may be filed against them by the family of one of the suspected robbers killed in last Tuesday’s shootout at South Road Properties.

This after the parents of Dean Mark “Sadam” Rivera, who died in a shootout with police operatives, expressed interest to file a case against the police.

Rivera, a motorcycle-for-hire driver, together with suspected cohort named “Jay-ar,” were shot and killed by elements of City Intelligence Branch and Motorcycle Riding Unit. Rivera’s parents said over the radio that the police could have just shot their son in the leg and don’t have to kill him.

City Intelligence Branch chief Senior Superintendent Romeo Santander said he respects the decision of Rivera’s parents and will just face any complaints that will be filed against them.

“Way problema, we will face it. Normally, ingon ana man gyud ‘na ang mahitabo. Dili man lang ni karon lang; daghan na mang mga incidents nga ni-countercharge sila sa polis,” he said.

He said they stood firm on their claim that the operation was legitimate and the two suspected robbers were killed in a shootout.

He pointed out that CIB operatives had no intention to kill Rivera, Jay-ar and another companion, Joseph Cueva. In fact, Cueva survived since he was only hit in the leg and was taken to the hospital, added Santander.

 “Kung naa na mo sa sitwasyon bitaw, di man gud ta kaingon nga diritsoon og patay. In fact, naa ma’y wounded so gitagaan pa namo og chance. Gidala pa ‘to namo sa hospital,” he said.

To prove that the suspects did fire their respective firearms during the shootout as alleged by the pursuing policemen, they were subjected to a paraffin test.

The CIB chief said they are waiting for the result of the investigation being conducted by the Crime Scene Investigation Unit and the Homicide Section.

Cueva will be charged for violation of the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition today, said Santander.

Santander said he coordinated with their counterpart in Mandaue City Police Office to check Rivera and his companions’ background and found out that the two who were killed were reportedly involved in illegal activities.

The suspects were onboard two motorcycles when they reportedly tried to make a U-turn after seeing a checkpoint along Natalio Bacalso Avenue Tuesday dawn.

CIB operatives happened to see the three apparently trying to evade the checkpoint and tailed them. They also called for backup from Special Weapons and Tactics team’s MRU.

During the chase, the suspects reportedly fired at the police, prompting the latter to return fire.

Cueva was hit in the leg while Rivera and Jay-ar died on the spot due to multiple gunshot wounds. — (FREEMAN)