Robbery eyed in Unchuan’s death

CEBU, Philippines — The police are looking at robbery, with the culprits being known to the victim, as possible motive in the death of Joel Jude “Coach J” Unchuan, a Sinulog voice coach who was found dead in the City of Naga last Dec. 30.

The police said P30,000 in Unchuan’s pouch is missing.

Police Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare, Police Regional Office-7 spokesperson, also said they are considering the possibility that the victim was killed inside his car and that the perpetrators were someone known to him had communicated with him.

He also said that although they have no persons of interest yet, they were optimistic that the forensic results for the abandoned vehicle and cellphone, as well as the CCTV backtracking that they are doing, would help them identify who killed Unchuan.

“Nakita nato diin siya gikan, asa siya niadto, unsa ang lugar nga iyang gihapit pinaagi sa pag-backtrack sa CCTV.  Right now, we have submitted or forwarded ang mga ebidensya for forensic examination,” he said.

“For example, the vehicle was subjected to forensic exam para naa tay makuha didto nga fingerprint and other pieces of evidence. Also, the dashcam of the vehicle was submitted for forensic examination,” he added.

Pelare said that they are positive that they would be able to identify the killers once they get hold of the results of and additional CCTV footages.

“When we have the result katong sa forensic examination, we are positive nga naa na gyud tay ma-identify nga suspects, hopefully. While atong mga imbestigador nag-backtrack pa padayon sa CCTV because sa pagkakaron report sa atong investigator, wala pa gyud tay nakuha nga footage para ma determine nato diin dapita nisakay ang suspects,” he said.

Car wash workers in Brgy. Yati, Liloan in northern Cebu found Unchuan’s car outside their establishment last Dec. 30.  Footages from private establishments’ CCTV showed two short but well-built men disembarking from the vehicle.

Based on the investigation, the vehicle traveled to Nivel Hills in Busay, Cebu City; to Lapu-Lapu City; to Mabolo, Cebu City; and to Mandaue City before it drove to the City of Naga.

Pelare said the vehicle also made a few stops for a few minutes. — /RHM (FREEMAN)