2 Agusan cops face raps for drug killing

BUTUAN CITY – Two policemen in Agusan del Norte are facing charges over the killing of a drug suspect last year.

Police Officers 2 Daryle Alonzo and Larry Precioso will be charged with murder, planting of evidence, grave misconduct, abuse of authority and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, according to a resolution of the Office of the Ombudsman signed by investigation and prosecution officer Yvette Marie Evaristo on Feb. 28.

Alonzo and Precioso were accused of killing Expedito Melencion, 32, a resident of Barangay Mahayahay in Kitcharao town, during an anti-drug operation on July 31.

The policemen claimed Melencion tried to escape and engaged anti-drug operatives in a shootout.

However, the ombudsman said investigation showed the victim had no gun and that he was pinned to the ground by the policemen when he was shot.

Melencion was negative for drug use in confirmatory tests, graft probers said.

3 slain

Meanwhile, two more drug suspects were killed in police operations on Thursday.

Former Army soldier Glenn Labrador, 42, allegedly shot it out with anti-drug operatives in Purok 3, Barangay San Isidro in Trento, Agusan del Sur.

Labrador is a ”high-value” drug suspect on the watchlist of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, police said.

Zosimo Rosanes, 67, resisted arrest and shot police operatives serving a search warrant for illegal drugs in Barangay Poblacion II in Alfonso, Cavite, police said.

In Batangas, Justino Obrador, 47, was visiting his farm in Barangay Mahabang Dahilig in Lemery, Batangas when unidentified men opened fire at around 8:30 a.m.

Police have yet to determine the motive for the attack.