Killer of resort owner's son still in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - The gunman behind the killing of a resort owner’s son has remained elusive but is still in Cebu.

The police yesterday said they are doubling efforts to arrest the gunman responsible for the death of Antonio Fabian Santos who was shot dead inside his car in Barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City last week.

Sr. Insp. Jul Mohammad Jamiri, Cebu City Homicide chief, said that they talked to five suspects including the alleged gunman but when they tried to visit the latter’s residence somewhere in the Metro Cebu area, he was already gone.

Jamiri said that the gunman, who was earlier tagged in a robbery case, is now in hiding within the province.

“Based on reports, wala pa siya ka gawas sa Cebu Island, (He has not yet left Cebu.)” he said.

Investigation revealed that Santos was killed after he reportedly failed to pay a loan of around P150, 000 from an associate in his illegal number games operation. This, however, is yet to be confirmed.

The victim’s wife, Maricar, whom the police talked with late last week, said her husband might have known the mastermind.

Investigation shows that the gunman might be a recent acquaintance.

Maricar told investigators that her husband is very accommodating even to those whom he just recently met.

“Grabi kaayo ni siya (Santos) mo-accommodate sa iyang mga two,(He really takes care of his people.)” Maricar told the police. 

The police officer said that Ariel “Bobong” Degamo, a Cebu City Jail inmate, is the key to their investigation since he was visited by Santos a day before the latter was shot by his passenger.

Jamiri said Degamo’s statements can give them vital information as to why Santos was killed.

Cebu City Police Office Director Melvin Ramon Buenafe is also not discounting the possibility that Degamo might be behind the death of Santos.

Buenafe said Degamo insisted that he still has to consult with his lawyer before he could talk to the police.

The City Police Chief have formed a special team composed of the homicide, intelligence and investigation sections as well as the Guadalupe Police Station to solve the case as soon as possible.

The victim is the son of the owner of Villa Teresita Resort located in Talisay City.  (FREEMAN)