Pineda’s daughter faces probe on hubby’s death

The San Juan police will question the daughter of Bong Pineda, the alleged gambling lord in Central Luzon, for the death of her husband Omar Victorino who was shot in the chest Friday.

Superintendent Rodrigo de Gracia, San Juan police chief said Esmeralda Pineda Victorino and her husband reportedly engaged in heated argument minutes before Omar’s lifeless body was found in the garage of their house at No. 5 Illinois St., North Greenhills Subdivision. Omar was heavily under the influence of liquor, police investigators said.

At the height of their quarrel, the victim allegedly fired a warning shot at the second floor before rushing out of the house at 1 p.m. Friday.

When another shot rang out, Victorino’s driver, Rommel Rivera ran out to investigate and found the victim’s body in the carport. The victim was taken to the nearby Cardinal Santos Memorial Hospital where he died.

Responding policemen recovered Victorino’s caliber .45 automatic pistol. Its holster was still attached to the victim’s waist.

De Gracia said they were not able to get Esmeralda’s statements because she was still in the state of shock. The couple had two children.

Prober SPO1 Honorio Cartalia said Victorino came from a drinking spree with his cousins in Caloocan City late Thursday and at about 11 p.m., he called up Esmeralda on the cellphone threatening her that he’ll make a scene at the family-owned restaurant along Wilson street.

Esmeralda reportedly went home to have a talk with her husband, Victorino, a former driver-bodyguard of her father.

"As soon as she (Esmeralda) recovers from her shock we would be able to get her side of the story," said De Gracia. — Non Alquitran