Cell phones could lead to killers

LEGAZPI CITY — Probers believe that the cellular phones of Sen. Blas Ople’s son-in-law, who was found dead inside a room of the Magayon Hotel here Wednesday, could provide clues to his killers.

Earlier, police said they have identified possible suspects in the killing of Arthur Meliton San Jose, husband of Ople’s daughter and chief of staff Dalisay, but refused to name them while the investigation is ongoing.

Superintendent Romeo Mapalo, city police chief, said San Jose had two cellular phones, one each with Globe Telecom and Smart, which are both missing and were presumably taken by his killers.

Mapalo said they are going to seek a court order this coming week to press the two telecommunications companies to provide information on San Jose’s callers prior to his murder.

A front desk officer of Magayon Hotel reportedly overheard San Jose talking to someone on his cell phone, even giving his room number, shortly after he checked in under a different name — Jules Martinez — Tuesday afternoon.

A room boy found San Jose slumped in the comfort room of Room 413. Autopsy showed he had a 0.8-centimeter gunshot wound in the back, a two-centimeter contusion on the right eye and bruises on the left elbow. His left hand was said to have been tied with electric wire.

Probers said San Jose, a well-built man about five feet, seven inches tall, could have fought with his assailants because things were strewn all over his room and the toilet bowl was broken. Police believe that at least three persons could be behind his murder.

Mapalo said the National Bureau of Investigation, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the provincial police are also looking into the killing.

"We are gathering all the clues as well as vital information so we can nail the suspects," he said.

Mapalo said results of ballistic tests on two empty shells and a slug found in San Jose’s room will be released tomorrow.

Probers also submitted for tests a bloodstained towel found in another room (No. 403) of Magayon Hotel.