‘Tokhang’ survivor files multiple murder raps vs QC cops

A survivor of “Oplan Tokhang” has filed graft, multiple murder, and frustrated murder charges before the Office of the Ombudsman against four Quezon City police officers who allegedly killed his four friends and seriously

wounded him during an anti-drug operations in Payatas, Quezon City in August last year.

Fruit and vegetable vendor Efren Morillo of San Isidro, Montalban said the suspects arrested and shot them when they refused to admit and confess that they were users and pushers of illegal drugs.

The suspects are Senior Inspector Emil Garcia, PO3 Allan Formilliza, PO1 James Aggarao, and PO1 Melchor Navisaga, all of Quezon City Police Station No. 6 in Batasan Hills.

The respondents were also slapped with robbery and planting of evidence charges punishable under Republic Act 9165 and 10591 as well as an administrative charge of grave misconduct.

Also included in the criminal complaint filed with the Ombudsman’s Military and Other Law Enforcement Offices (MOLEO) were alleged police informers who led the raiders to the crime scene. They are Lea Barcelona, Lorie Barcelona, Mary Joy Ralo, Richard Rinon Andan and one alias “Manok, who allegedly stole jewelry and other valuables of the victims.”

The Supreme Court had earlier granted Morillo’s petition for a Writ of Amparo to stop the police from visiting and harassing him and other relatives of the shooting victims whom the complainant identified as Marcelo Daa Jr., Anthony Commendo, Jessie Cule, and Raffy Gabo.

In a 39-page complaint-affidavit, Morillo said he went to Payatas where he used to live with his mother and two kids to collect a debt owed him by one of the victims when the suspects swooped down and shot them.

Morillo said the suspects also “planted” sachets of shabu and guns to make it appear that they were into drugs and violently resisting arrest.

Despite being shot on the chest, Morillo said he managed to escape during the melee and was brought by well-meaning residents to a hospital in Montalban and later to the East Avenue Medical Center where doctors successfully treated the gunshot wound.

He said autopsy reports showed that the deceased were slain while they were kneeling or sitting.