Cop tagged in call center agents' slay surrenders

MANILA, Philippines - One of two policemen implicated in the murder of two call center agents in Sta. Mesa, Manila last Wednesday surrendered to the Manila Police District (MPD) yesterday.

Senior Police Officer 1 Julius Piñera of the Mandaluyong police denied any participation in the killings, saying he was “so drunk” at the time of the shooting.

Piñera, PO3 Rolando Sorreta, suspect Noel Saludes, and two others were drinking just before Saludes allegedly went to his brother-in-law Kim Gerald Panganiban’s house and shot him and his reported lover, Analyn Enriquez.

Police said the rifle used in the shooting, which is still missing, belongs to Sorreta.

Piñera said he did not leave the house where they were drinking until he heard several gunshots.

He said he could not remember if Sorreta, a Camp Crame policeman, carried an Armalite rifle on the night of the shooting.

Investigation chief SPO4 Ed Paterno instructed Piñera to submit his affidavit by Monday.

MPD homicide section head Chief Inspector Erwin Margarejo said their manhunt is now centered on Saludes and Sorreta, who has refused to surrender despite several summons.

Margarejo confirmed that an MK rifle was issued to Sorreta, and “such firearm can be loaded with Armalite bullets.”

Saludes, a dismissed soldier, is reportedly close to Piñera and Sorreta. 

 Police 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.

– Nestor Etolle