Brains in Caloocan rob-slay fall

A former amateur boxer nicknamed "Tyson" and a still unnamed man, initially tagged as the brains behind the gruesome killing of a family of three and their housemaid last Wednesday in Caloocan City, were nabbed by police in a manhunt operation early yesterday morning.

Sources said "Tyson," whose real name is Jonito Espinosa, 21, laborer-helper, a native of Zamboanga City with last known address at Meleguas st., 10th Avenue, Caloocan City, and his pal were allegedly collared in Bulacan.

The STAR gathered that two more suspects are still the subject of a manhunt by a team led by Inspector Marcelo Mariano of the Theft and Robbery Section as ordered by Station Intelligence and Detective Management Bureau (SIDMB) chief Superintendent Napoleon Cuaton.

The suspects will be presented officially to the media by senior police authorities in Camp Crame today.

This development bolsters the theory of Scene of the Crime Operations (SOCO) chief Superintendent Vladimir Villasenor, MD, who said that based on results of forensic investigation, the killings could not have been staged by one person alone.

Aside from the number of victims, the number of hack wounds (10 to 44) inflicted on the victims also indicated deep-seated anger or the suspects must be under the influence of dangerous drugs. The weapons used (a 12-inch knife and an icepick) were also giveaways, he said.

The source said that during interrogation, Espinosa admitted he was with several men in stabbing his employer, Andro Luis Villa, 41, a heavy equipment parts trader; and his wife Joy Cambongga, daughter Yvanna Faye, 19; also known as "Lang-lang," 12; and housemaid Fely Omblero, 60, but denied actually stabbing anyone of the victims.

Sources alleged that the unnamed mastermind plotted the killing to get even with Villa who was reportedly "tight-fisted." The man reportedly got sick and incurred a loan for his treatment but failed to pay on time and was allegedly reminded about it endlessly.

Espinosa was the first to fall, having been cornered in Isabela based on information provided by his wife identified only as "Cathy."

The wife was enticed to squeal on Espinosa on the promise that a P50,000 reward from Caloocan City will be given to her.

Surge In Caloocan City Crime Rate

Meanwhile, the surge in Caloocan City’s crime rate has not escaped the attention of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

The latest incident to make headlines was the rob-slay of a 72-year-old former Philippine National Railway official.

Ernesto Nocum’s body was found Thursday at his residence along Mabini st., Barangay 10 in Caloocan, with 15 stab wounds.

At around noon on July 15, Caloocan City Hall employee Alfonso Sta. Maria was ambushed by at least three motorcycle-riding men. He was on his way to the Environmental Sanitation and Services office aboard his car when waylaid along Biglang-awa st. He survived the slay try and was able to shot dead one of his assailants.

On June 27, former Masbate Rep. Fausto Seachon Jr. was also shot dead by at least three suspected hired guns while playing mahjong near his house nn GSIS Hills Subdivision. Three of the former politician’s companions were also wounded.

Mayor Enrico Echiverri has been prodding his police team to intensify efforts in securing the city and has even ordered them to double police personnel manning the streets.

Echiverri has also offered cash rewards to help police capture criminals. The rise in criminality in the city will be the highlight of today’s conference in Camp Crame. — With Pete Laude