Rupinta’s murder still unsolved

Ricky Poca

The suspected killer of Barangay Ermita Captain Felicisimo “Imok” Rupinta may have been arrested, but the mastermind remains unidentified and free despite a P150,000 cash reward for information leading to his capture.

Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak confidently declared the crime solved with the suspect’s arrest, but many still doubt his claim because the mastermind has not been unmasked yet.

As Christians we were taught by our parents, family and Church to respect the dead and not to say bad things about them since they cannot answer and defend themselves anymore from the accusations against them.

As Christians we were taught to respect the dead and never to insult them because they no longer have the opportunity to answer back and clear their names.

Clearly, Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña doesn’t believe and embrace this time-honored value as he attacked the late Imok Rupinta. What was worse, is he didn’t even present any evidence to prove that Rupinta was indeed a drug protector in Barangay Ermita.

Osmeña also accused former mayor Michael Rama of being a drug addict even if Rama’s drug test results turned out negative on drug use.

Osmeña’s accusations didn’t sit well with Rupinta’s followers who responded by tossing empty bottles at the front of City Hall during a funeral march there.

Team Rama ally and Councilor Joel Garganera reminded Rupinta’s angry supporters not to pay too much attention to Osmeña, because he is a mere distraction to the more pressing issue of uncovering the mastermind.

I think Garganera is correct and sober insofar as dealing with the issue is concerned. I hope that Rupinta’s murder won’t just end up as yet another unsolved case despite Tumulak’s irresponsible claim.

I for one am seeking justice for Rupinta’s murder. Let us all unite to unmask the mastermind and the motive behind the killing.