2 Masbateños killed by cops have criminal record—Tobias
One of the three persons killed in a chance encounter with the officers and operatives Regional Intelligence Office (RIO) was indicted for destructive arson and robbery in band cases before the Masbate Provincial Prosecutors Office.
Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) Director Sr. Supt. Bartolome Tobias said victim Gerald Emaas was indicted for destructive arson and robbery cases before the Masbate Provincial Prosecutors Office. He has also pending cases of murder and multiple murder.
Tobias said Emaas, who is also a former member of the New Peoples Army in Masbate is one of the suspects in the torching of Globe cellsite. The prosecutors office found probable cause and about to elevate the case in the proper court in Masbate.
Emaas' father Diosdado admitted his son is a former member of the New Peoples Army but surrendered to the Philippine Army and later joined the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Forces Unit (CAFGU). Emaas went on absence without official leave (AWOL).
Police is currently verifying other cases in which Emaas was involved. Another fatality, Samuel Sioco has also pending cases for robbery hold-up. Both, Emaas and Sioco came from Barangay Aroroy, Balud, Masbate.
Police on the other hand is still checking on Gino Balacutan who reportedly has also pending cases. He hails from Masbate and works as security guard in Roxas City before he was killed Wednesday night in a gasoline station at corner Jalandoni-Delgado Streets, City Proper.
Tobias said Balacutan has a live-in partner in Roxas it was he who invited Emaas and Sioco for a vacation. Investigators are still trying to figure out why the three slain victims are in the city and armed with handguns and a grenade.
The police has not recovered any vehicle and has not received any information that the three victims have other companions when they went to the gasoline station. They could not also pinpoint where the three stayed while in Iloilo City.
There were informations that the three stayed in Barangay Gustilo, Lapaz before the incident. However, when checked there were no truths on the report. No vehicle was recovered in the crime scene which puzzled the probers.
"The chance encounter with the victims is only a manifestation that the police is working. Untoward incident was prevented. It will serve as a lesson to those criminal elements who are planning to stage violence and other crime-related activities which could affect the peace and order of the city," said Tobias.