'Witness' in trader's slay clears mayor's husband

CEBU, Philippines - The so-called witness in the alleged murder of a businesswoman a little over a year ago recanted his earlier statement, which indicted the husband of San Fernando Mayor Lakambini “Neneth” Reluya” as the alleged mastermind in the killing.

In a press conference yesterday, Rolando Bajao cleared Ric “Nonoy” Reluya from any involvement and instead pointed to San Fernando Vice Mayor Antonio Canoy as the one who allegedly instructed him to indict Reluya as mastermind in the killing of businesswoman Lalaine Jore.

Bajao said he has been bothered by his telling lies and that he does not know Reluya personally, much more witnessed the crime. 

Bajao narrated that on March 2, 2010, a friend of his spoke to him on his mobile phone and told him that Canoy wanted to talk to him about Jore. The murder victim was killed last February 9, 2009 in Gorordo Avenue, Cebu City.

Bajao said he met with Canoy at Glorietta Mall in Manila where the latter allegedly gave him P15,000 as down payment of his P30,000 “acceptance fee.” Bajao used to work at a law firm in Manila.

Aside from the P15,000, Canoy also reportedly provided him a roundtrip plane ticket for Cebu. On March 3, 2010, Canoy’s son, Mico, reportedly met him in Cebu and they immediately proceeded to the Guadalupe Police Station where he executed an affidavit that pinpointed to Reluya as the alleged mastermind.

The remaining P15,000 reportedly remains unpaid, but Bajao clarified it is not the reason why he decided to recant his previous statements.

“Kani ako-ang pag- recant wala ni financial consideration. Gusto lang gyud ko mugawas ang kamatuoran,” Bajao said.

 Canoy was already in bed when contacted by The Freeman, but his son Mico said the allegations are all fabricated and the recent development is purely politically motivated. Mico also denied knowing Bajao.

“Wala mi kaila ana niya kinsa na siya,” Mico said.

Reluya already denied involvement in the killing. – Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/JMO (THE FREEMAN)