‘Witness in Ruñez slay targeted’

Revenge was the motive for the ambush killing of the father of the principal witness in the robbery-slay of RPN 9 cameraman Ralph Runez in Caloocan City, investigators said yesterday.

Superintendent Napoleon Cuaton said last Monday’s ruthless killing of Celerino Galarce in Tala, Caloocan City had nothing to do with Runez killing in July 28.

Cuaton said the killing had something to do with the victim’s son Charles, 22, the prosecution’s main witness, and the late Ernani Magnayon, who was shot dead by a city jail guard in what was claimed to be an accident last Oct. 7.

"They could not get me so they got my father," said the young Galarce, now in police custody.

Meanwhile, police sources revealed that feelers were sent some two weeks ago for Charles to retract his statements.

"Someone wants to make a settlement. They want the charges dropped," the young Galarce admitted to The STAR but added he was not backing down.

Two weeks ago, Charles’ wife, with their two-year-old son, were accosted by unidentified persons at gunpoint demanding that Charles desist from pursuing the case. Last Saturday, two days before he was killed, Celerino was threatened by unknown gunmen. — Jerry Botial