Suspect in death of driver, friend tagged

CEBU, Philippines - Police have identified one of three suspects in the killing of a taxi driver and the latter’s friend last Monday dawn in Barangay San Isidro, Talisay City.

SPO1 Mikie Espina, case investigator, said they are now hunting one of the suspects, whose identity was revealed based on the description given by the witnesses.

Espina, however, refused to give further details. He said ones they have one suspect in custody, it would then be easier to find the rest.

Eduard Bantilan Jr., driver of Juscar Taxi, and his friend Ralph Stephen Mamuco were shot to death last Monday. The two, together with their other friend Rey Delantar, were drinking in San Isidro when three motorcycle-riding men arrived and started shooting them.

Mamuco was hit on the back while Bantilan was hit on the chest. Delantar, who sustained a gunshot wound on the right side of his body, survived the attack.

Espina said they are looking into an old grudge as possible motive of the crime. - THE FREEMAN