2 cops tagged in 2 call center agents' slay

MANILA, Philippines -Two policemen face arrest for allegedly failing to heed summons to appear for questioning at the Manila Police District in connection with the murders of two call center agents last Wednesday.

Senior Police Officer 1 Julius Piñera and PO3 Rolando Sorreta are being eyed as accomplices in the murder of Kim Gerald Panganiban, 25, and Analyn Enriquez, 22 in Sta. Mesa, Manila.

The victims were shot with an Armalite rifle by Panganiban’s brother-in-law, Noel Saludes, a security guard. Investigators said the rifle, which is still missing, belongs to Sorreta.  

The two policemen, aside from Saludes and two other civilians, were reportedly drinking before the shooting incident.

“Definitely, there was an administrative negligence on the part of the two (policemen) for allowing the suspect to use the Armalite rifle. However, we will determine the criminal aspect, if any, during investigation,” MPD homicide section head Chief Inspector Erwin Margarejo said.

The two civilians testified that shortly before the shooting, Sorreta left the house leaving his Armalite rifle behind. Piñera, who was already drunk, reportedly did not stop Saludes from taking the rifle. After Saludes left, shots rang out at the house of his brother-in-law.         

Case investigator SPO1 Edgardo Ko said one of the possible motives for the shooting was Saludes’ hatred for his brother-in-law following the separation of Panganiban from his sister, Weny.

Several weeks ago, Weny and their two children left Panganiban following a bitter quarrel. Saludes opted to remain in the house with Panganiban, but reportedly harbored a bitter grudge against his brother-in law. Days after the separation, Panganiban brought home Enriquez, his alleged lover. – Nestor Etolle