Ex-cop arrested over 1979 homicide case

By Jennifer P. Rendon

 

A retired police officer who was accused of homicide more than four decades ago was finally arrested.

Wilfredo Mogate, 65, was collared at his residence at Phase 1, Barangay 168, Caloocan City evening of March 12, 2021.

Joint elements of Iloilo City Police Station 5 and Mandurriao PS and Caloocan CPS Congressional Police Sub-Station 9 apprehended Mogate by virtue of an arrest warrant for homicide docketed under Criminal Case No. 11438 (CA-GR No. CR-20730).

Then Judge Roger Patricio of the 6th Regional Trial Court, Branch 38, Iloilo City issued the arrest warrant on May 17, 2006 with no specified bail.

Major Jonathan Pinuela, Mandurriao police chief, said he travelled to Metro Manila after receiving reports that Mogate was seen in Caloocan City.

Mogate was accused of killing a man during a cara y cruz (tumbo) game in La Paz, Iloilo City in 1979.

The case did not immediately roll until 2006 when the court issued the arrest warrant.

It was believed that the suspect continued to work with the PNP despite the case. He even went on to retire from service.

Mogate used to work as a security detail of the late Justice Secretary and lone district of Iloilo Rep. Raul Gonzalez Sr.

Mogate was already brought to Iloilo City and is now detained at Mandurriao Police Station for proper disposition of his case.