Cop found guilty for murder of bar owner, security guard

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The Philippine National Police has found guilty a cop here for murder in the recent killing of a bar owner and security guard here which had rocked this capital town. 

Cordillera police director Chief Supt. Isagani Nerez signed the decision of the administrative case filed against PO2 Frenzel M. Mendoza and three others Nov. 5 here at Camp Dangwa. 

A  case for grave misconduct, murder and attempted homicide was earlier filed against Mendoza.

He was found guilty with a maximum penalty of dismissal from police service as stated under the decision while his three other companions: PO3 Nemer B. Commissing, PO3 Cid S. Acop and PO2 Mafersan M. Santiago, were found guilty for less grave neglect of duty with suspension of 45 days.

Mendoza is now detained at the provincial jail here after criminal charges were filed against him in court.

Nerez said the actions of these police personnel were a disgrace to the organization and did not reflect ideals of a true police officer. “We assure the public that these rogue police personnel do not reflect the entirety of the whole organization. The PNP is committed to continuously cleanse its ranks and further assures the public that those who will be found guilty in illegal activities will face the sanctions and be punished under the law.”

Records showed PO2 Mendoza, 29, married, assigned with La Trinidad Municipal Police Station, and resident of Barangay Pico here with PO2 Mafersan M. Santiago, PO3 Nemer B. Comissing and PO3 Cid S. Acop II went to Midtown Bar and Restaurant located at the 2^nd Floor of Alumit Building along km 6, below the provincial capitol night of Aug. 7 after responding to a shooting incident that took place in Zion Hill Gas Station, Barangay Puguis.

Later, Mendoza went out the bar and had an altercation with a group of customers. 

Records showed bar owner Cezar Palitog Degay, 35, of Mankayan, Benguet, resident here tried to pacify them but Mendoza drew his firearm and shot him on his head and stomach. 

The security guard of Midtown Bar and Restaurant identified as Sonny Caswang Awingan, heard gunfire so he went out the bar but was also shot on his upper body.

Meanwhile, Reymar Cosendo Copis, a bagger of Mhel Mhel Marketing was hit on his left hand by stray bullet.

Mendoza tried to escape but was apprehended by personnel of Police Community Precinct 2 of La Trinidad Municipal Station.

The victims were brought to Benguet General Hospital for medical treatment but Degay was declared dead on arrival. Awingan died while undergoing medication.

Reymar Copis was discharged from said hospital after  medication.\

Nerez, in behalf of regional police extends condolence to the family of the victims saying justice would be done for their untimely death. 

Despite the incident, Nerez said the incident was an isolated case and appealed to the public not to lose their trust on police because the PNP is doing its best to keep the community secure and safe.

Nerez urged Cordillera police personnel to act and behave as true police officers. “As the primary law enforcer agency in the country, it is our duty to uphold the law at all times and not the other way around.”

Nerez urged the public to help the organization by reporting  rogue police officers as well as providing relevant and timely information through social media (Twitter-@PNPCordillera or Facebook Page- Pio Procor, or through the following numbers: complaint referral -094765880 / 09174297628 or regional tactical operation Center (074) 422-5515; 09175302679/ 09285591669.