PNP sees rubout in Ozamiz slay

MANILA, Philippines - There was no gunfight, and all indications point to the summary execution of two robbery gang leaders in San Pedro, Laguna last July 15, according to the Philippine National Police.

PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima disclosed yesterday that the two Ozamiz robbery gang leaders were likely killed in a rubout, contrary to reports that they were shot dead in a firefight after they tried to grab the firearms of their police escorts.

Purisima said a fact-finding committee headed by Director Catalino Cuy established that leaders of the Ozamiz gang Ricky Cadavero and Wilfredo Panogalinga were killed in what appeared to be a rubout.

“There was no firefight in the incident that they were killed, it appears like (rubout) but we are completing the pieces of evidences so that it can stand in court,” said Purisima in a briefing at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

With the report of the fact-finding committee, Purisima said he approved the pre-charge investigation pending the filing of administrative charges against the 15 policemen implicated in the death of Cadavero and Panogalinga.

He said the 15 policemen include Superintendent Danilo Mendoza, chief of the CALABARZON Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) that composed the police escorts of the two Ozamiz gangmen.

“I have already approved the pre-charge evaluation of those involved in the Cadavero and Panogalinga case because it appears there have been violations. They are at present under restrictive custody here in Camp Crame,” said Purisima.

Purisima’s statements came in the wake of President Aquino’s warning to the concerned police officers during his Sate of the Nation Address last Monday that he would hold liable any policeman and official involved found to have summarily executed the two gangmen. With Ed Amoroso