Cops hunt last suspect in trader’s killing

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) launched yesterday a manhunt for the “operator” who reportedly hired the assassination team that killed a businessman outside his home almost a year ago in Manila.

Special Investigator Darwin Francisco of the NBI-Special Task Force (STF) said they are looking for George Duazo, alias Toto, 31, of 8 Esteban Street, Malibay, Pasay City. He is the remaining suspect in the murder of Gil Manlapaz Sr., who was shot twice outside his house along Pedro Gil Street in Manila.

“A picture of Duazo’s face has already been flashed on a television news program and we are hoping that there would be people who would be able to give information on his whereabouts,” Francisco said, adding that he is confident Duazo is still in the country.

On May 31, NBI operatives apprehended soft drinks wholesale dealer Anita Buce at her office warehouse in  Pandacan, Manila for being the alleged mastermind in the Manlapaz killing.

STF chief Head Agent Arnel Dalumpines said Buce reportedly instructed her employee, Duazo, to assemble an assassination team. He hired gunman Raymond Mercado and lookouts Dennis Frederick Lelis and Jose Reblora for the job.

The three were subsequently caught. They cooperated with the STF’s investigation, voluntarily giving their statements and pointing to Buce and Duazo as the other suspects. In return, they hope to enter the government’s witness protection program (WPP).

Buce’s arrest was in compliance with the warrant of arrest for murder issued by Judge Antonio de Castro of the Manila City Regional Trial Court (MCRTC) Branch 3.

Mercado reportedly received P10,000 for the job, Reblora got P5,000 while Lelis denied receiving any payment. The NBI said Duazo might have received between P150,000 to P200,000 because he was able to purchase an owner-type  jeepney.

According to investigators, Manlapaz used to buy his supply from Buce but severed his dealings with her when she increased the prices of her products.

This irked Buce, who then reportedly tried to steal Manlapaz’s clients by offering a lower price.

“But she was unsuccessful because the customers have established good rapport with Manlapaz’ wife, Josephine,” Francisco said.

He added that the “suspects were supposed to kill Josephine and not her husband but she was asleep when they came so they shot Gil instead.”

It appeared that at 4:29 p.m. on June 29 last year, the victim was tending to their store while his wife took an afternoon nap. When he went out of the store, Mercado allegedly walked past him and turned around before shooting him twice in the head. Mercado and the two lookouts fled as bystanders and Manlapaz’s relatives brought him to a nearby hospital.

Manlapaz was comatose for three days before he died. The four suspects are currently detained at the NBI jail. – Evelyn Macairan