Caloocan massacre suspects charged

The Caloocan City police yesterday filed charges of robbery with multiple murder against two suspects in the robbery-slaying of a family of three and their housemaid before the City Prosecutor’s Office.

As this developed, suspect Jonito Espinosa alias "Tyson," 21, pointed to a Marivic Latosa, alleged live-in partner of Joe Villa, the father of victim Andro Luis Villa, a heavy equipment parts trader, as having masterminded the grisly killing.

Espinosa, in a statement obtained by The STAR and sworn to before SPO1 Feliciano Almjuela Jr. and in the presence of lawyer Luwie Jimenez Sunday night, said Latosa ordered him, together with three others, to kill his boss. "May galit po siya kay Luis," the former amateur boxer turned helper said. Speculations rose that Latosa wanted to take over the younger Villa’s business.

Espinosa said Latosa gave the order last Saturday, July 23, at around 5:30 p.m. as he and other suspect, Jover Arogante, were riding a bike in the neighborhood.

"Ano, Jover, nagdesisyon ka na ba na patayin si Luis?... Bibigyan kita ng malaking pera pagka napatay mo na si Luis," Espinosa quoted Latosa, who allegedly told him to send a text message when the job was done and where they were to get the payoff.

Latosa allegedly told Espinosa to keep his mouth shut.

"Huwag kang maingay, Tyson. Papatayin kita pag sinabi mo sa kanila kahit konting salita," Latosa allegedly warned him after which she left in a red car.

A manhunt is now underway for the arrest of Latosa, police sources said.

Espinosa said Arogante confirmed to him Tuesday morning, July 26th, that the "plan" was to be accomplished later that night showing him Latosa’s text message inquiring if the plan was underway. Arogante told him they were to share the loot after the job.

PNP chief Director General Arturo Lomibao presented both suspects to media yesterday at Camp Crame. Also present was Metro police chief Director Vidal Querol.

Lomibao commended the operatives of the Caloocan police for the arrest of the two suspects.

Two other cohorts, all workers at Villa’s Global Heavy Equipment on 4th street corner 12th Avenue in Caloocan, identified only as "Edlin" and "Dante," are still being hunted.

Last Saturday, patience and dogged persistence paid off for the police, led by Inspector Marcelo Mariano, Theft and Robbery Section chief, as a team collared Espinosa in Alicia, Isabela.

Mariano first nabbed Arogante on information volunteered by his live-in partner Jennifer that the former was together with "Tyson" on the night of the killing.

Arogante, in turn, ratted on Tyson who went into hiding among his pregnant wife’s relatives in Isabela.

Recounting the murders, Espinosa said "Edlin" first stabbed housemaid Fely Ombrelo as she was cleaning up outside the house. When Joy Cambongan, 19, Villa’s live-in partner, came out, Arogante grabbed her and again was stabbed by Edlin.

Edlin then passed on the fan knife to Arogante who stabbed Joy in the neck.

Hearing the commotion outside, Luis came out and saw both Ombrelo and Cambongan blooded, then called out to his partner.

Dante allegedly grabbed him by the neck then Arogante took a knife from the kitchen, gave it to Dante, who stabbed Luis in the neck.

Villa was later shown to have been stabbed 37 times, 18 in the face. Tyson said he also saw Dante slam Luis’ head against the concrete wall.

Villa’s daughter Yvana Fae was killed last with Edlin stabbing her 44 times. – With Cecille Suerte Felipe