Police get leads into Tabogon strafings

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Investigation and Detection Management Branch is now assisting Tabogon Police in its investigation into strafing incidents in Barangay Ilihan, saying they already have persons of interest who are capable of doing the crime.

Although PIDMB and Tabogon Police are not discounting other possibilities, land dispute is closely eyed by investigators as one of the possible motives behind the incident.

Superintendent Rodolfo Albotra, PIDMB chief, said they are now assisting Tabogon Police in the conduct of the investigation and are now looking for the possible suspects.

Although he did not divulge names of the possible suspects, he said the list includes a person who is “active in service.”

If the firearms used by the perpetrators were taken into consideration, Abotra deduced that the suspects are capable enough to carry out the strafing.

“Considering the firearms used and his capability to do that, dili nato madiscount nga naa sa law enforcement,” he added.

Meanwhile Tabogon Police Chief Inspector Bonifacio Pareja might be facing possible administrative complaint for his alleged failure to send an short messaging service or report via text about the strafing incident.

Albotra told reporters that there was a prior directive from the provincial director to immediately notify him of any significant events in their respective areas of responsibility.

“Within an hour dapat maka-send na ka’g SMS report sa command group ug sa PTOC (Provincial Tactical Operations Center) so the command group could make specific instructions,” Albotra explained.

Albotra added that he is still waiting for the formal directive coming from Senior Superintendent Noel Gillamac to formally launch the investigation.

Apparently, Pareja failed to inform Gillamac of the incident and the provincial director ordered him to explain in person why he failed to do so.

Gillamac was caught flat-footed when the media interviewed him Thursday morning regarding the incident.

On September 25, several unidentified persons riding motorcycles opened fire at the house of spouses Jaime and Judely America in Barangay Ilihan, Tabogon town.

Police recovered nine empty shells of a caliber 99mm and two empty shells of an M16 riffle from the scene after the incident.

On Wednesday, their house was yet again strafed by unknown assailants.

Police recovered 20 empty shells of a 9mm cal. pistol, five empty shells of an M16 riffle, an empty shell of a .45 cal. pistol and two hand grenades.

Despite the second attempt on their lives, the couple are said to be in a safe condition now, according to the PIB chief. — Bryner L. Diaz/JMD (FREEMAN)