Slain OFW’s family seeks justice

MANILA, Philippines - The family of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) killed, allegedly by a Northern Police District (NPD) police officer, last week is seeking justice.

Joven John Rarugal, 20, a resident of Bagong Barrio, was on vacation and was walking home with friends when he was allegedly shot dead by Senior Police Officer 2 Venancio Santiago, 45, of the NPD’s District Special Operation Unit (DSOU) on Dec. 12.

Police said that Rarugal and his companions were walking home when Santiago accosted them for allegedly being loud and rowdy as they walked the streets. Rarugal allegedly introduced himself as a son of an identified political leader of Mayor Enrico Echiverri.

At his statement, Santiago – whom city hall sources identified as an alleged bodyguard of Rep. Oscar Malapitan – reportedly drew his 9mm pistol and shot Rarugal as the victim begged for his life.

At Rarugal’s burial yesterday, his father, Lito, said Santiago should be jailed for his alleged crime.

Echiverri vowed to help Rarugal’s family, assuring them that there would be no whitewash in the investigation.

Murder charges were filed by the police against Santiago, who was detained at the city jail pending a commitment order from the court.