Victim’s kin losing hope justice will be served

Amidst the recent spate of killings in Cebu, with the police force rushing from one case to another resulting to longer queues before a case gets updated, it seemed that families of slain victims have given up on justice.

For their case, the kin of Barangay Kalunasan Councilor Roel Mabano, who was shot at close range last July 10 in front of the barangay hall, told The FREEMAN under the condition of anonymity for security purposes that they are just contented that they have laid him to rest.

One of the family members, who opt not to be identified, said that they give it up to God to bring justice to the assailant of Mabano.

“Wala na gyud ko kahibaw pa sa dagan sa imbestigasyon, amo na lang ihatag sa Ginoo,” a family member said early morning yesterday in front of their sari-sari store.

The store, which is their main source of income, had become their solace after the incident took place. The family said they are no longer read the news or watch television, as they could no longer bear to recount the death of Mabano.

“Dili na ko motanaw og balita, kay para nako nerbyoson ko basta makahinumdum ko sa nahitabo,” the family member said.

Superintendent Artemio Ricabo of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) said they are working the speedy investigation on the incident, but they appealed for consideration since police investigators are dealing with multiple cases these days.

“Kasabot man sad ta sa bahin sa pamilya, kay dili lalim ang mawagtangan. Wala man na nato pasagdii ang mga kaso, padayon gihapon nga naa nag-atiman, nagsige follow-up. Sa karon lang siguro makita nila nga hinay kay ang polis nahanukan pud og mga patay. So, murag nabahin ang atensyon, pero wala pasabot nga gipasagdaan na (cases),” Ricabo said.

Local chief executives in Cebu City and the province also expressed alarm over the killings and urged police to step-up and solve the pending cases.