Airman charged
Police on Monday filed murder charges against the Philippine Air Force (PAF) man who shot dead a fellow airman during a drinking spree inside the Tactical Operations Group-10 (TOG-10) airbase in Barangay Lumbia, this city.
Senior Police Officer 2 Elmar Patindol said suspect Airman Second Class Reymart Noquera has been charged with murder because he used a high-powered firearm and hit victim Staff Sergeant Renante Felerca Blanco from behind.
Noquera underwent inquest proceeding yesterday afternoon at the City Prosecutor's Office.
The complainant of the case is the victim's wife, Airene Blanco, who arrived in the city on Sunday, from their hometown in Angeles City, Pampanga.
According to Patindol, the suspect claimed in his affidavit that the victim threatened to kill him just before the shooting incident happened.
“But later on, the suspect said he cannot remember anymore if he did shoot the victim, he did not own up the killing on the latter part of the investigation,” Patindol said.
At the crime scene, Patindol said they found several bottles of alcoholic drinks.
Patindol said they are still waiting for the results of the paraffin tests of both Noquera and Blanco.
Meanwhile, Patindol disclosed that Noquera will remain detained at the 4th Infantry Division detention facility.
“If the fiscal has the resolution, and a commitment order comes out, then we will have him turnover to the Lumbia City Jail,” he added.
Noquera, 26, a resident of Fairview, Quezon City, allegedly shot to death Blanco, 39, a resident of Angeles City, Pampanga, while the two were having a drinking session at 10:45 p.m. at the back of the PAF-Tactical Operations Group headquarters, a report from the Lumbia Police Station said.
Noquera used an M16 rifle in shooting Blanco, who was hit in the left side of his head.