An expert on computer forensics from the national headquarters of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Anti-Transnational Crime Division arrived here yesterday to help in the investigation on the death of a Japanese national who was ambushed last Tuesday in Mandaue City.
PO1 Enrique Burdeos, who is also said to be certified for his expertise by law enforcement agencies from the United States of America, was tasked to extract data from the laptop computer, cellphones and personal electronic organizer of Hiroshi Kusaka, which were found at the crime scene.
Sr. Supt. Jorge Corpuz, regional officer of the CIDG-7 said ordinary policemen can not just handle technical evidence such as computers and cellphones.
“Computers and cellphones are evidences, hindi basta lang kinakalikot nang kung sino, only the forensic experts because they are the only qualified persons to testify as expert witnesses. Pwede nating buksan pero masisira ang sanctity ng evidence, baka ma-question tayo dahil hindi naman tayo ang expert sa mga ganyan,” Corpuz explained.
Kusaka was carrying the said gadgets inside the van when two still unidentified gunmen ambushed him at the corner of J.Ouano and Plaridel streets in Mandaue City last Tuesday.
The Japanese national was on his way to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport at that time to catch the 7:45 a.m. flight to Japan.
Kusaka got hit in different parts of his body and was declared dead when he was brought to the Mandaue District Hospital. His driver, Efren Rosales was unhurt but was charged for obstruction of justice after he allegedly ordered a hospital orderly to wash the blood of his van.
Kusaka owns several businesses here including the HK Travel Agency, which is being managed by Rosales. He also owns several businesses in the country and other Asian countries engaged in the selling of dried mangoes and accessories.
Police investigators are still collating information on the whereabouts of the gunmen and the possible mastermind. Initially, the police are looking into a business rivalry angle and people who might have personal grudges against the Japanese national.
Corpuz believes they could get information that might shed light on the incident from Kusaka’s gadgets. - Edwin Ian Melecio/QSB