Panel to probe Batangas murders

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines – A special investigating body has been created to investigate the murder of a businessman and his aides in Mabini town, Batangas last Sunday.

Senior Superintendent Jireh Omega Fidel, Batangas police director, said the Task Group “Tolosa”  would be headed by the deputy provincial director for operations Superintendent Raul Tacaca, and composed of members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, intelligence agents and the local police.

Probers are still focusing on business rivalry as a motive for the killing of Jonathan Tolosa, Cesario Manalo, Isco Ramos and Miguel Aldovino. The attack also left Marlon Orsal and Real Bernales wounded.  The victims were all residents of Bauan town.

Chief Inspector Rossell Encarnacion, Mabini police chief, clarified that Tolosa was the only businessman among the fatalities.

Encarnacion said Manalo, Ramos and Aldovino were Tolosa’s security aide, employee, and driver, respectively.

He said probers have identified one of three assailants through the help of two witnesses.

Encarnacion said investigators would release the sketches of the assailants, whom he said are hired killers.