PNP chief Director General Oscar Calderon presented to media yesterday suspect Roberto Lopez, 36, the alleged gunman in the murder of tabloid photojournalist Prudencio "Dick" Melendres last July 31.
"The early solution of the Melendres case and that of the Ralph Ruñez case manifests the keen resolve of the PNP, not only to comply with the orders of the President, but to serve the ends of justice to all victims of heinous crimes, particularly those targeting working journalists and members of cause-oriented groups and partylist organizations," Calderon said.
The gunman and two policemen tagged in the killing of Ruñez, a TV cameraman, were presented to media last Sunday.
Last Aug. 1, Mrs. Arroyo gave police 10 weeks to solve and put a stop to the killing of journalists and militants,
Task Force Usig, under Deputy Director General Avelino Razon Jr., classified into two categories the killings of journalists, namely: work-related and non work-related.
Based on the investigation of the Northern Police District (NPD), Melendres was killed over business transactions as appointed president of the Phase III Letre Urban Poor Homeowners’ Association (LUPHA). Ruñez, who owns a water refilling station, was killed during a robbery.
As a result of the solution of the two cases, Calderon announced his approval of the immediate release by the Directorate for Intelligence of P100,000 each for the informants in the two cases.
According to NPD director Chief Superintendent Leopoldo Bataoil, Melendres, being the president of a homeowners’ organization, had been implementing a campaign against illegal electric and water connections.
"Some people within the association were displeased with the campaign," Bataoil said.
Meanwhile, the NPD chief commended yesterday the Malabon and Caloocan City police for the quick resolution of two media slay cases.
Cited in particular by Bataoil during the NPD flag-raising ceremony were Caloocan City police investigation and detective management branch chief Superintendent Napoleon Cuaton, Chief Inspector Cresencio Galvez, intelligence chief, and Senior Inspector Marcelo Mariano, follow-up section chief.
At least 17 other Caloocan City cops were also cited.
Senior Superintendent Moises "Kamagong" Guevarra, Malabon City police, his intelligence chief Senior Inspector Estelito Peniano Jr., Senior Inspector Roland Mabbun, Senior Inspector Lejoe Campos and station investigation chief Inspector Jorge Tabayag, and 17 more non-commissioned officers were also commended. — With Pete Laude