Ronda police nab suspect in death of RSOG-7 errand boy

CEBU, Philippines - Ronda police nabbed the alleged suspect in the killing of the Regional Special Operations Group- 7's errand boy after a shootout in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Ronda Sunday evening.

The police responded to an armed person alarm around 11:45p.m. after suspect, Richard Gimena, 35, indiscriminately discharged his .45 pistol.

Police arrived and introduced themselves but Gimena fired at them twice. However, no one was hit. The authorities returned fire, hitting Gimena on the right breast and right buttock.

Gimena was taken to the Barili District Hospital and was later transferred to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City for further medical attention.

Police recovered a .45 pistol with one magazine loaded with two bullets, two empty shells of the said caliber, two aluminum foil strips and one small packet of shabu.

Insp. Reuben Reynes said they received information from RSOG-7 that Gimena was the suspect in the shooting to death of Richard Cajegas, 38, of Barangay Labangon, last June 11. At that time, Cajegas was heading to the RSOG office from Carbon Market where he bought ingredients to cook for lunch. He was shot in broad daylight.

The assailant approached Cajegas and without a word, shot him at close range several times hitting the victim on the chest and right cheek causing his immediate death.

Four empty shells of .45 pistol were recovered from the crime scene.

The RSOG-7 led by Chief Insp. George Ylanan tried to chase the suspect right after the incident, but to no avail.

Yesterday, RSOG-7 confirmed that Gimena is the person they have been looking for.

Charges for illegal possession of firearms and possession of illegal drugs will be filed against Gimena.

The Cebu City Police Office will also file a separate criminal case against the suspect.  (FREEMAN)