Gunman in Toledo shooting identified

CEBU, Philippines - Police now has the identity of the possible gunman responsible in the shooting to death of the bodyguard of former Senator John Henry “Sonny” Osmeña last Friday morning in Barangay Luray II, Toledo City.

Cebu Provincial Police Office director Patrocinio Comendador said their investigation centers on the involvement of Rene Embralinag, 42, of Barangay Captain Claudio, on the recent certification election of a labor union of the Carmen Copper Corporation.

“Struggle sa labor ang gitan-aw namo karon kay ingon ani nga incident naa gyud nay preceding event or sudden change of leadership sa lugar nga naka-trigger ani, (We are looking into a labor struggle because incidents like these are usually triggered by preceding events or sudden change of leadership.)” Comendador explained.

He, however, refused to detail information of the gunman pending hot pursuit operation and preparation of evidence.

“Basta kining gunman dunay history of violence, (The gunman has a history of violence.)” Comendador said.

Police have prepared two witnesses to testify in the case.

Police also submitted Embralinag’s cellular phone to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-7 forensic laboratory to check incoming and outgoing messages and calls for additional evidence.

Aside from the mentioned motive, police are also looking into Embralinag’s estafa case and of being a military and police asset.

Supt. Henry Biñas, Toledo City police chief, told The FREEMAN that politics was not established as one of the motives during their investigation despite Osmeña’s claims.

Osmeña alleged that the killing could be linked to politics and that he was warned of his own security. He is running for Toledo City mayor in the May polls against incumbent Toledo City Mayor Aurelio Espinosa.

Embralinag’s death surprised Osmeña. Embralinag died of multiple gunshot wounds in different parts of his body which caused his death.

He was onboard his motorcycle heading towards Barangay Poblacion from the Cebu Electric Cooperative (CEBECO) Incorporated office where he paid his electric bill when he was tailed by two unidentified men onboard a motorcycle before the shooting took place.  (FREEMAN)