NPA says cop involved in drugs dealing and newsman’s murder

From the Bicol Today (Sep 6): NPA says cop involved in drugs dealing and newsman’s murder

The killing of a policeman by New Peoples Army (NPA) hit men was confirmed by the rebel group operating in this province after a communique was released to the media. The policeman was also tagged as one of those who took part in the killing of an activist leader and newsman in 2005.

The NPA Celso Minguez Command (CMC) on Thursday, September 5, said in a statement the assassination of policeman Jungil Escalante on Wednesday morning in this city was a “revolutionary justice” inflicted on him for being involved in “illegal drugs dealing” and on the murder of activist leader-media man Ricardo “Ding” Uy in November 18, 2005.

Samuel Guerrero, CMC spokesman, said Escalante was already tried by the revolutionary court and found guilty. “His (Escalante) neighbors filed complaints against him for illegal drugs dealing and he was also  involved allegedly in the killing of Uy when he served in the military death squads under the government’s counter-insurgency program.

In a related development, Provincial Police Director Romeo Ranara in an interview with radio DZRS on Thursday doubted the NPA’s claim, saying the police is still validating the report. He also said Escalante never had the chance to be placed under due process as practiced by the legal courts.

Escalante was shot dead by a gunman backed up by 2 companions Wednesday morning at Barangay Sampaloc, this city. his gun was taken away by the assassins.

http://bicoltoday.com/2013/09/06/npa-says-cop-involved-in-drugs-dealing-and-newsmans-murder/