Death of barangay captain who was target of police operation questioned

This Easter, the residents of Barangay Niño Jesus in this city are saddened by the death of their barangay chief.

Elmer Casabuena, 50, was killed when he allegedly fled an operation against illegal firearms and drugs by the Camarines Sur Provincial Police, early on March 26.

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Police were looking for a .45 cal gun, but he allegedly fired at police with a .38 cal revolver.

“Nagkaroon po talaga ng firefight doon, kasi hindi naman po siguro aabot dun kung hindi naman po nagkaroon ng exchange of fire,” said Police Maj. Louie Manuel Dela Peña, Chief of the Police Community Affairs Division of the provincial police.

But this is impossible, according to the captain’s widow, because apart from the fact that the husband does not own a gun, he also does not know how to use it.

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He cried because he could not help his wife who was allegedly forced into their room, while he was allegedly locked in the room of the minor child.

Death of barangay captain who was target of police operation questioned

“Opo, rinig na rinig ko po kasi humihingi pa siya sa akin ng tulong, tinatawag niya ‘ko. Sabi niya sa akin, parang gusto kong pasukin siya para tulungan ko. Pero hindi ko magawa kasi may humaharang sa amin, may nakabantay. Huwag daw kami maingay para ‘di kami madamay,” she said.

People close to Casabuena were also upset because the police allegedly used the presence of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the barangay as an excuse so the investigation on the evidence would be conducted at the police station.

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According to the police, they allegedly recovered 20 sachets of drugs from Casabuena’s belt bag.

“Siguro Sir, hindi siya magiging kapitan kung siya ay related sa shabu. Sa aming mga sumusuporta sa kanya, siguro isang dagok ang nangyaring ito sa aming barangay dahil nawalan kami ng ama ng aming barangay. Kaya ang ipinapakiusap ko lang, maging totoo lang ang mga balitang lumalabas at hindi sana maging bias ang ating batas,” said a supported of Casabuena.