Cops ID mastermind in lawyer’s ambush

CEBU, Philippines - Investigators have traced the possible mastermind in the killing of lawyer Amelie Ocanada-Alegre but will keep details under wraps until findings are conclusive.

Yesterday afternoon, police called to a conference lawyer Joseph Briccio Boholst, Alegre’s companion during the ambush, and Supt. Marlon Tayaba, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-7.

"Amo gipatawag karon si Atty. Boholst to shed light, (give) more information kun unsa iya nahibaw-an about sa kaso," said Senior Supt. Mariano Natu-el Jr.

"We also informed him that we already have the possible mastermind sa pagpatay ni Alegre," he added.

Natu-el said they wanted Boholst’ help in accessing Alegre’s gadgets as police believe “crucial information” can be found there.

The gadgets were recovered from the vehicle ferrying Alegre and Boholst when they were ambushed in Barangay Looc, Mandaue City evening on August 13.

Boholst admitted he could access Alegre’s gadgets in the past but Alegre would reportedly change the access codes from time to time.

"Sa una, maka-open-open ko ana pero iya man nang ilis-ilisan gud... usahay, open man gud na daan (kun mogamit ko)," Boholst said.

“Karon, I'll try to remember og unsa to… kun naa ba'y crucial information ngadto, di' ko kaingon," he added.

Boholst was sitting at the backseat of Alegre's car during the ambush. Also in the vehicle was Antonio Pino, an employee of the law firm they are a part of, Boholst and Pino sustained injuries. —/JMO (FREEMAN)