Teams dispatched to capture Tacata’s killers

Justice had to be served to a hero.

Two dedicated teams from the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) were dispatched yesterday to different areas in the metropolis and the provinces to get the remaining killers of hero cop PO2 Aristotle Tacata, 27.

"I’m warning anybody, especially criminals, who spilled the blood of a policeman here in Metro Manila that they will pay the price for doing it," an irate NCRPO chief Deputy director General Reynaldo Velasco said yesterday in an interview.

Velasco vowed that his men will not rest until the three other suspects in the killing of Tacata during a shootout inside the LPC Minimart in the corner of Kalayaan Ave. and Luzon streets in Barangay Pitongo will be arrested and brought before the bar of justice. "We already knew their identities. They could not escape the long arms of the law," he said.

Tacata, an engineer, killed Gino Mahinay before he himself was gunned down inside the establishment. Another suspect was left to die by their cohorts inside an abandoned taxi, a few meters away.

Velasco identified the remaining suspects as Dexter Saren, Reynante Salvacion and Jay Canlas. The three, along with Mahinay belong to the Resto Gang believed to be behind the rash of restaurant heists in San Juan. They were released last year despite strong objections from the leadership of Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. Velasco did not say what particular unit was spearheading the capture of Saren, Canlas and Salvacion. He, however, revealed that the NCRPO dedicated teams were heading toward an unspecified area in Metro Manila, the province of Cebu and in Mindanao.

"We are combing a number of areas where they are reported sighted in the past. We hope to get them in due time," Velasco told The STAR.

The NCRPO chief said Tacata should not only be remembered as a heroic cop but as the epitome of the new breed of cops in Metro Manila: Brave, decent, dignified and ready to die for his country.

Velasco is hoping that Tacata’s death would awaken senior police officials to lead the way in the intensified campaign against criminality, especially street crimes. "If Tacata’s death would serve as a way to awaken the older ones, so be it," said Velasco. As ordered by President Arroyo, Tacata will be given full honors during his burial. He, too, will be given all privileges within the power of the government.

Tacata’s sister, Carina, who is also a member of the PNP will be recommended for lateral promotion to the rank of inspector. She too, is entitled to scholarship grants, said Velasco.