1 of 2 Iloilo cops in custody for alleged involvement in slay of ex-congressman's son and Fil-Am
By Tara Yap
ILOILO CITY — The Police Regional Office (PRO-6) has assumed custody of one of two policemen who were allegedly involved in the killing of the son of a former congressman and a Filipino-American in this city.
PRO-6 Acting Spokesman Lt. Col. Gilbert Gorero told The Manila Bulletin Wednesday that Corporal Jerry Carmelotes Villanueva has been placed under restrictive custody.
The other suspect Corporal Joseph Andrew Poneles Joven could not be located.
The two cops are among the four suspects that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) filed murder and theft charges before the Department of Justice (DOJ) late last week.
They were allegedly involved in the daylight murders of Filipino-American Alain Muller and Delfin Britanico, son of former congressman Salvador Britanico.
The 42-year-old Muller and 36-year-old Britanico were killed minutes apart past noon of January 19, 2020 in two different districts of the city. Investigators later found out that witnesses of both crimes described the same getaway vehicle.
Gorero said Villanueva was easy to track down as he was assigned at PRO-6’s Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit (RPHAU).
Joven was assigned at Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), but has not been reporting since March when he did not show up for a mandatory drug test. Joven was also facing administrative case for neglect of duty.
Meanwhile, the PRO-6 hierarchy condemned the role of the duo.
“It saddens me to hear news like this, but our reformation program must continue to ensure honest and genuine service for our countrymen,” said PRO-6 Director Brigadier General Rene Pamuspusan.