Second cop tagged in call center agents' slay surrenders

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

Accompanied by his superiors from the Civil Security Group at Camp Crame, Police Officer 3 Rolando Sorreta denied owning the Armalite rifle used in shooting Kim Gerald Panganiban, 25, and Analyn Enriquez, 22, on Aug. 5.

Investigators said Sorreta and Mandaluyong City policeman SPO1 Julius Piñera, together with alleged gunman Noel Saludes, were reportedly drinking with two other civilians shortly before the shooting.

Sorreta was reportedly carrying what looked like an Armalite rifle when he arrived at the house of one of their drinking buddies.

Saludes, who reportedly harbored ill feelings against his brother-in-law, Panganiban, left the drinking session after which gunshots were heard. Police said the two victims were shot by an Armalite rifle in their sleep in Panganiban’s room.

Piñera denied any participation in the twin killings, saying he was “so drunk” at the time of the shooting. He said he did not leave their drinking place until there was already a commotion outside after several gunshots were heard.

Sorreta denied carrying an Armalite on the night of the incident.

MPD homicide section head Chief Inspector Erwin Margarejo directed Sorreta to subject all his issued firearms to ballistic examination.

Margarejo said Saludes’ arrest will disprove the claims of the two policemen.

Saludes, a security guard and a dismissed soldier, is reportedly sighted in Bicol province.

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

Investigators said shortly before the shooting, Sorreta left the house and left his rifle behind. Piñera who was already drunk reportedly did not stop Saludes from bringing the rifle.

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. Saludes opted to remain in the house with Panganiban, but reportedly harbored a grudge against his brother-in law when, days after the separation, Panganiban brought home Enriquez, his alleged lover.      – Nestor Etolle