Police say: No ‘strong’ witness in Pogoy shooting

CEBU, Philippines —  The police are now studying persons of interest in relation to the death of Police Officer 2 Kenneth Pogoy, who was shot dead while traversing M.J. Cuenco Avenue, Cebu City last Tuesday coming from a court hearing.

Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Director Joel Doria said that they are still gathering more evidence to solidify the case and that they are thoroughly checking all the information received that would led to the identification of the suspect.

“So far, may tinitingnan tayo but we need more data, more evidences kasi mahirap namang mag-speculate tapos only to find out hindi pala siya, baka sabihing ‘fall guy’. Very careful tayo when it comes sa pag-deal ng mga person of interest,” said Doria.

“One thing is iyong pag-attend niya ng hearing, sino iyong mga nandoon, sino iyong mga kinasuhan niya sa illegal drugs at sino iyong binabanggit ng father niya na may threat.  Lahat iyan ay tinitingnan natin.  So, hopefully magkaroon tayo ng lead sa lahat,” Doria added.

It can be recalled that Kenneth’s father, Samuel, who is also a former policeman, told the operatives that his son received death threats prior to the incident.

Pogoy, who was formerly assigned at the Parian Police Station before he was assigned to ARMM in 2016, returned to Cebu City for the court hearing on a drug case that he and his colleagues in Parian Police filed.

He was waylaid by unidentified assailants on board a motorcycle and shot him several times, which led to his instantaneous death.

Doria also said that they don’t have a “strong” witness that could pinpoint the identity of the suspect.

“So far wala tayong makuhang witness, although may mga binanggit na during that incident ay may nakakita pero hindi detailed. Walang mapagkilanlan noong shooter,” Doria said.

The police are also reviewing the CCTV footage in the area for possible help leading to the suspect. —GAN (FREEMAN)