3 FLUNK DRUG TEST: String of criminal raps to be slapped against Malan’s ‘killer,’ two cohorts

Colonel Joeresty Coronica, Iloilo City police chief, pays his last respects to Police Staff Sergeant Michael Malan at the latter’s wake in Gegato-Abecia Funeral Homes and Crematory Services at Barangay Tanza, City Proper district on Nov. 2. (ICPO photo)

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) has vowed to use the full force of the law against the drug personality who killed a member of the ICPO’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.

Colonel Joeresty Coronica, Iloilo City police chief, said that they would file a string of charges against Glenn “Bongbong” Iturriaga, the drug suspect who allegedly killed Staff Sergeant Michael Malan.

The charges include murder, frustrated murder, violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and RA 9516 or possession of explosives.

Aside from the caliber .9mm pistol, an explosive was also found in the crime scene, Coronica said.

Iturriaga would also be facing charges for violation of Sections 5, 11, 12, and 15 of RA 9165 ((Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002).

His companion, Ivan Palmejar, and live-in partner, Katrina Espinosa, would also be facing charges.

Coronica said they would charge Palmejar and Espinosa for violation of Section 26 in relation to Section 5, Section 12, and 15 of RA 9165.

Palmejar would also be slapped with a case for violation of Section 11 of RA 9165.

Coronica noted that all three suspects were found positive for illegal drug use.

The ICPO City Drug Enforcement Unit-led operation resulted in the recovery of around 1.156 kilos of shabu worth P7.860 million.