Umale family hits slow-paced probe

The family of businessman Leonardo Umale has criticized the slow-paced investigation into the ambush-slay last March 16 at the Pearl Plaza building in Pasig City.

"It’s been a week since the killing and it does not seem that they have done anything," said family lawyer Agnes Maranan, relaying the message of the family.

Maranan said the family has expressed concern that Task Force Umale, created by Metro police chief Director Vidal Querol to investigate the incident, has yet to come up with any lead.

"Normally, dapat may lead na," Maranan said.

The lawyer and Clarissa Victoria Umale met with reporters last Thursday at the Umale residence in Valle Verde 3, Pasig City, where they once again claimed that Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis "Chavit" Singson had something to do with the ambush-slay.

Mrs. Umale said they are apprehensive in giving their statements to the Task Force Umale because of the slow progress in the investigation.

Chief Superintendent Charlemagne Alejandrino, director of the Eastern Police District (EPD) and concurrent Task Force Umale head, has appealed to Mrs. Umale to give their statements to police so their investigation could move forward.

"Their statement is very vital to the case. We cannot start an honest to goodness probe without their full cooperation," Alejandrino said.

Alejandrino pointed out that while waiting they continue to visit the family-owned Pearl Plaza, hoping to get additional information.

"What we got from employees is the description of the suspects," he said.

Umale was gunned down by the four suspects while walking toward the elevator of the eight-storey building last March 16. He was shot twice in the back and one in the back of the head.

The building’s electrician, Ernesto Lanton, who rushed to aid the fallen Umale, was shot twice by one of the suspects. He died later at a hospital.

Mrs. Umale claimed Singson appeared to have prepared a dossier against her husband even before he was killed.

Singson had claimed Umale had numerous enemies.

"Prepared na siya. Kasi handa na siya sa mga ibinabato niyang issue laban sa asawa ko," Mrs. Umale said.