Tomas shows support for convicted ex-aide

As Janeth Badana visited the grave of her son, Ronron Allosada Go, at the Carreta public cemetery in Cebu City at past 10 a.m yesterday, the clamor for the release of convicted police officer Adonis Dumpit continues to gain support.

“All I can say is that I don’t abandon my friends and Dumpit will always be one of them,” former Cebu City mayor and congressman Tomas Osmeña said in a text message to Cebu Daily News.

Dumpit, who was convicted for homicide by Judge Ester Veloso of the Cebu City Regional Trial Court branch 6 last Tuesday for the fatal shooting of Go in 2004, once served as Osmeña’s bodyguard.

Osmeña also cited Dumpit as one of Cebu City’s Charter Day awardees in 2005.

Thelma Chiong, national vice president of the Crusade Against Violence, said she’s sad that Dumpit was convicted by the court.

Sentence

“Maayo na lang gani gi-downgrade ang iyang kaso to homicide. (The only consolation was that the court downgraded the case to homicide),” she said.

Pedro Leslie Salva, one of Dumpit’s lawyers, said even if his client has four years and 10 months more to complete the sentence, the police officer can post bail.

Judge Veloso downgraded the charge from murder to homicide, saying the prosecution failed to prove there was “treachery and use of superior strength” on Dumpit’s part when he shot Go in the back.

Lawyer Earl Bonachita, former president of Integrated Bar of the Philippines’ Cebu City chapter, said Dumpit can be released on bail at the court’s discretion.

During her visit, Badana lit three white candles and offered yellow and white flowers before the tomb. She was accompanied by her two sons, a sister and six nephews and nieces.

NO Forgiveness

Asked if she has forgiven Dumpit, Badana said “How can I forgive someone who didn’t even ask for forgiveness?”

Badana said she’s praying for Dumpit even if he caused her pain.

After Dumpit was convicted by the court, she said it’s time to move on.

“Dong, akong gibuhat ang tanan. Saka na sa langit. Whether kontento ka sa desisyon or dili, naay Ginoo nga nasayod sa tanan. Ayaw na pag-worry ni mama. (Son, I have done everything. You may go now to heaven. Whether you’re contented with the ruling or not, we have a God who knows everything),” said Badana who has three remaining children aged 24, 23, and 19.

“Wherever he is now, I hope he’s happy. I will not forget how he took care of us,” said Badana’s 23-year-old son Raymart, a graduate of Hotel and Restaurant and Management who is preparing to work in a hotel abroad. /with Mayfair dela Cerna, USJ-R Intern