RPDEU chief to also face probe on Colita’s death

CEBU, Philippines — The police personnel whom the late Sergeant Celso Colita had met before his alleged suicide are now being investigated, specifically those under the Regional Police Drug Enforcement Unit.

These policemen include the unit’s chief, Police Major Glen Hife, who was the last person Colita had talked with as part of his administrative investigation before the latter excused himself and reportedly went to the comfort room and committed suicide.

The incident happened hours after Ritchie Nepomuceno who filed robbery, torture and rape charges against Colita was shot dead along Barangay Basak, Pardo, Cebu City.

According to Police Lt. Colonel Wilbert Parilla, deputy director for operations of the Cebu City Police Office, the allegations that Colita did not commit suicide but was actually murdered inside the camp, is “impossible” to happen.

"Bisan guro og bisan unsa kadaku sa sala sa atong police, dili nato na mabuhat, bisan og di na sya police, di gyud na sya mabuhat sa police," said Parilla.

He, however, added that they are not discounting any circumstances as the investigation on the case is still ongoing.

"Ang tanan nga posible imbestigahan na sa atong mga imbestigador, whether naay foul play, the only one who can confirm that is the investigating unit who is in charge of the case," said Parilla.

As the investigation continues, the police have yet to find out how Colita was able to carry a firearm even after he was disarmed for his camp restriction order.

According to Parilla, it could be possible that when he entered Hife's office for the interview, he had the gun hidden with his possession.

Police Brigadier General Ronnie Montejo, Police Regional Office 7 director, has coordinated with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) for the criminal aspect in the investigation into Colita's death. — GMR (FREEMAN)