Kin claim ‘mistaken identity’ in death of man killed by cops

MAGALANG -- It was a mistaken identity for a delivery man who was killed in a hot pursuit operation conducted by the Concepcion town police in Tarlac province last August 13, the victim’s relatives said.

Bernard Nucup, 21, of Barangay San Francisco this town, an employee of Lazada – Online Shopping and Deals, was killed when elements of the Concepcion police were conducting a follow up operation in response to a robbery incident where a businessman and his son were killed.

But Bernadeth Nucup in his Facebook account posted that his younger brother together with his co-worker, Hernan Miclat Galang of Barangay Mabato-bato, Magalang were about to board their white delivery van after eating lunch at a canteen in Barangay Alfonso when the policemen arrived in the area.

It was learned that the vehicle used by the suspects in the robbery and killing of Jaime Baquing, 58, and his son Chody Baquing, 36, both of Barangay San Nicolas Balas, matched the description of Nucup’s delivery van.

Bernadeth, however, claimed that the responding policemen made a big mistake by assuming that Bernard’s delivery van is the same vehicle that the suspects used in the robbery incident.

Nucup and Galang were wearing complete Lazada uniforms when they were assaulted by the policemen, according to Bernadeth, who disclosed that the official company cellphone issued to his brother was missing.

The Concepcion police earlier reported Nucup and Galang were among the three fleeing gunmen and that the third suspect was able to escape by running through the thick bush.

The gunmen were allegedly about to exit Concepcion when they were cornered by police operatives at Barangay Alfonso some 10 kilometers away at around 11:00 am on board a white Hi Ace van (ADJ 2035).

Superintendent Miguel Guzman, newly assigned Concepcion police chief, said in his report to Tarlac Police Provincial Director Senior Superintedent Ritchie Posada that the three were involved in the slaying of the Baquings and the wounding of two others -- Rustico Sevilla, 76, of Barangay Telebangca, and Marcelo Marcelo, 63, of Barangay Sta. Lucia, Magalang, at the Baquing residence.

Guzman also revealed that at around 11:00 am, the three gunmen on board the Hi Ace Van were about to be flagged down by his men in Barangay Alfonso when one among them shot at the policemen manning the checkpoint.

After a brief gunfight, Nucup was critically hit and Galang was nabbed but their companion was able to run away, according to the police.

Nucup and Galang were allegedly identified by several witnesses, including the sons of Jaime Baquing who saw the suspects enter the house.

Guzman’s report also stated that a .45 caliber pistol was recovered with six live ammunition. (SunStar Philippines)