Cop nabbed over death of minor during gang fracas

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A policemen was arrested for the death of a 16-year-old who was shot during a gang riot at City Proper district, Iloilo City on Oct. 15.

Senior Master Sergeant Rodrigo Zerrudo Jr., a resident of Barangay Brgy Rizal Pala Pala Zone 1, City Proper was allegedly the one who shot alias Dence.

The 51-year-old cop, who is a member of the Nueva Valencia Municipal Police Station in Guimaras province, voluntarily turned himself in to the Iloilo City Police Station 1 through Captain Roque Gimeno III.

Also present was Zerrudo’s immediate superior, Major Ali Estember.

He also turned over his issued firearm, a caliber .45 TS9 pistol (serial number TL T95209) and a magazine loaded with 17 ammunition.

Aside from Zerrudo, police also arrested 16-year-old Ray, a resident of Barangay Rizal Estanzuela, City Proper.

Ray was allegedly one of the suspects who confederated with Dence in a fracas.

He was already turned over to the City Social Welfare and Development Office.

Dence was killed in a fight between his group and another gang shortly after midnight of Oct. 15 at Rizal Pala-Pala Zone 1.

The group was celebrating their friend’s birthday party in the area.

At around 12:10 a.m. of Sunday, a group of 15 youngsters, mostly minors, went near the area where Rence’s group was drinking.

They hurled empty bottles towards the victim’s group.

A brawl ensued between them.

Around a minute later, a gunfire was heard. Rence slumped to the pavement with blood oozing from his abdomen.

He was rushed to Iloilo Doctors’ Hospital but died while undergoing treatment.