MANILA — A former member of the San Juan City police who is wanted for murder and went into hiding for four years has surrendered to the office of Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito Monday.
In a statement Wednesday, San Juan Police chief Senior Supt. Dindo Reyes said former Police Officer 2 Bernard Lucon, who used to be a member of Station Anti-Illegal Drugs – Special Operations Task Group (SAID-SOTG) earlier sent surrender feelers through his sister Claire Lucon.
Lucon has been in hiding since October 2014 in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.
He then contacted lawyer Rodrigo Garcia, former San Juan Police Chief and now Ejercito’s chief of staff and told them that he was ready to turn in himself to the authorities.
Lucon along with PO3 Jude Naranja, PO2 Jeovann Barrientos were earlier alleged as suspects who shot and killed Michael Aday,33, of Barangay San Perfecto, San Juan City during a test–buy operations on October 9, 2014.
Lucon was waiting in their service vehicle while Naranja and Barrientos walked along the area when Aday on board his motorcycle suddenly bumped the lawmen prompting operatives to accost him.
Aday allegedly drew his .45 caliber revolver but before he could pull the trigger, PO2 Barrientos immediately shot him in his head.
Lucon who heard the shot immediately responded and carried the victim to rush him at the hospital but they were mobbed by residents, prompting them to run for their safety.
The three operatives were relieved and charged with murder. Naranja and Barrientos were detained at the Bicutan Jail but Lucon went into hiding.
A subsequent fact-finding investigation report by Eastern Police District –District Investigation and Detective Management (EPD-DIDM) showed, on October 8, 2014 at around 11:30 p.m. Insp. Jeson Vigilla, then SAID-SOTG Chief instructed the three operatives to conduct a test-buy at Tuberias Street, Barangay San Perfecto under the “Oplan Tubo” which aims to profile and conduct surveillance against drug pusher and users for possible application of search warrant in the area.
The report said the three operatives proceeded at the area on board their vehicle, Lucon stayed inside the car while Naranja and Barrientos walked at the narrow street, but on their way to conduct test-buy they were approached by Aday who blocked them and allegedly offered to them to buy “shabu”.
When the Naranja and Barrrientos refused the offer, Aday shoved them and pulled out his gun.
The cops and Aday engaged in a gun scuffle.
Barrientos was forced to fire his gun and hit Aday in the head.
Aday had been included in the San Juan Police Station’s Drug Watch List and Order of Battle of Drug Pushers.
The report found the test-by the SAID-SOTG operatives were official and valid in the performance of their legitimate duties.
Naranja was released last week after he posted bail while Barrientos remains in detention after his bail petition was denied. (Benjamin Pulta/PNA)
