Suspects in ambush of Ting charged

CEBU, Philippines -A complaint for frustrated murder was filed yesterday against each of the four suspects behind the attempt on the life of businessman Nicolas Ting before the Mandaue City Prosecutors Office.

But Larry Ting, who allegedly ordered the shooting on his uncle over his P20-million debt, denied he was involved in the ambush.

A television report showed that Larry and his cousin, Nixon “Jojo” Dizon, the eldest child of Nicolas, met at the prosecutor’s office. Larry, in tears, told Jojo that he could not do such a thing.

The police arrested Larry for allegedly masterminding the attack. Complaints were also filed against the 16-year-old gunman, Jordan Miral who drove the motorcycle used in the shooting, and Edwin Juab, who was reportedly paid to contact the gunman.

The four are temporarily detained at the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), whose officers arrested them a week after the attack.

 Larry intends to post bail today. The bail was pegged at P200,000.

A separate complaint for illegal possession of firearms will be filed by the CCPO against the 16-year-old gunman.

Senior Supt. Patrocinio Comendador, director of CCPO, said they are now preparing the affidavits of the arrest of the suspects and Juab’s extra-judicial confession.

Comendador said that Task Force Ting is considering making Juab a state witness for cooperating with the police. If approved by the Department of Justice, he would be discharged as accused and would be placed under the witness protection program.

Police authorities arrested Larry Tuesday night after Juab, founder of the notorious Trece Hudas Gang, identified him as the mastermind behind the attack on his uncle in Cabancalan, Mandaue City last June 21.

The police said Larry owed Nicolas P20 million. Larry reportedly did not like Nicolas’ way of demanding him to pay back, so he decided to have his uncle killed.

Right now, the police are still pursuing another gunman responsible for the other attack that killed Nicolas’ elder brother, Manuel.

Manuel, 72, was shot and killed by a lone gunman in Barangay Tisa, Cebu City less than 24 hours after Nicolas was shot.

Comendador said that the arrest of the gunman would unlock the mastermind behind Manuel’s killing.(FREEMAN NEWS)