Cop nabbed for kidnapping, murder

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines - A police officer reportedly detailed at the office of Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Alan Purisima was arrested yesterday in connection with the kidnapping and murder of a man in Lipa City, Batangas.

Senior Police Officer 1 Michael Lescano, 41, was arrested by members of Batangas police at his house in Barangay Sabang.

Batangas police director Senior Superintendent Jireh Omega Fidel refused to confirm or deny whether Lescano is detailed at Purisima’s office.

Fidel merely said Lescano was a former member of the defunct regional special operation group 4A (RSOG4A).

Lescano is being held at the Batangas police detention cell.

Police have yet to arrest three men who were with Lescano when they reportedly raided the house of the Katigbak family on Mangggahan street last Friday night.

The suspects, who were in PNP uniforms and black bonnets, reportedly introduced themselves as members of the RSOG.

Fidel said Lescano’s group reportedly beat up Raff Rufino Katigbak, 31; Rolando Katigbak, 26; Rey Katigbak, 24; Bertgil Torres, 18; Engelbert Fernes, 17, and Ruben Tolentino, 16.

The suspects allegedly forced one of the victims to swallow powdered detergent and took their cellular phones and computer tablets.

The victims told investigators the men were looking for a certain Mio.

The group reportedly handcuffed Raff Rufino and dragged him into a vehicle with license plate NDT-539.

Raff Rufino was found dead Saturday morning under a bridge in Barangay Sto. Toribio, Lipa City. His body bore seven gunshot wounds. – With Arnell Ozaeta