‘Deeper reason’ for slay of Alcoy cop chief

The family of Insp. Crisanto Abella suspects that the killing of the chief of police of Alcoy town was pre-planned and that politicians could be behind the attack.

Geraldine Dosdos, Abella’s common-law wife, said the policeman had arrested a man surnamed de los Santos in a buy-bust operation in barangay Pansol. She said the arrest may have something to do with Abella’s death.

Abella was shot five times after a drinking session with Poblacion barangay councilman Ciriaco de los Santos Sunday evening near the town’s gym.

Ciriaco and Alcoy Mayor Nicomedes de los Santos are first cousins.

Dosdos said she’s not convinced that Abella and Ciriaco just argued during a drinking session.

“There must be a deeper reason because my partner was brutally killed,” Dosdos said in Cebuano.

In a separate interview, Abella’s brother Eliser said the police chief once confided to him about his problems at work.

“Pila nato ka semana, magsige siya ug ingon nga dunay kuno siya’y gikabangga nga dakong tawo didto sa Alcoy,” Eliser said. (He would always tell me that he has stepped on the toes of someone influential in Alcoy).

Mayor de los Santos expressed surprise at the allegations.

He confirmed that a drug suspect by the name of Richie de los Santos was arrested, but denied they were related to each other.

“Kuyawa gud ana nga istorya (That’s an incredible story). I would never go to that extent,” the mayor said.

Abella was in the gymnasium where a boxing event was being held as part of the nightly activities for the town’s fiesta on Thursday.

Ciriaco reportedly invited him for a round of drinks. They ended up arguing. Then shots were fired.

Ciriaco ran to hide in a nearby hut, taking Abella’s service firearm with him.

He reportedly fired at pursuing policemen but Mayor de los Santos and his family was able to convince him to surrender.

A .45 caliber pistol was seized from Ciriaco’s possession. Abella’s .9mm pistol was also found inside the hut.

Supt. Rodolfo Albotra, chief of the Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB), said Ciriaco was transferred to the Talisay City Police Station jail to avoid any doubts of special treatment.

Following Abella’s killing, The flag at the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) headquarters in barangay Sudlon, Cebu City was flown at half-mast.

Insp. Dexter Basirgo, chief of Boljoon Police Station, was ordered to lead the investigation and file proper charges.

At the detention cell, Ciriaco complained that he was transferred because the Talisay jail was so crowded he has to sleep in a sitting position.

Since his family lives far, he said there’s no one to bring him food or attend to his needs.

“No case has been filed yet. Why did they transfer me here which is far from my family?” Ciriaco said in Cebuano.

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