Cop, 7 others charged in Korean trader’s murder

MANILA, Philippines — Murder charges were filed yesterday against eight persons, including a police officer, in connection with the murder of a South Korean businessman in Valenzuela City.

The eight who underwent inquest proceedings before the Valenzuela prosecutor’s office are Cpl. Darwin Castillo, Kimberly Radores, Rica Estrella, Rusty Cruz, Josephine Nape, Leana Marie Nagano, Bryan Gulfo and Bryan Escamillas.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Debold Sinas said the suspects are implicated in the murder of Nam Sunuk, 55, in Barangay Maysan last Feb. 13.

Sinas said three of the suspects – Radores, Estrella and Castillo – executed extra-judicial confessions in the presence of lawyers detailing their personal knowledge of the circumstances surrounding Sunuk’s murder.

Quoting a report of Special Investigation Task Group Nam Sunuk, Sinas said the businessman was shot while on the back seat of his Hyundai Tucson along Padrigal Extension by Gulfo and Escamilla while Castillo acted as backup.

“The other suspects participated in the crime as contact persons and facilitators for the hitmen,” he said in a statement.

Castillo, who is assigned at the police community precinct along Roxas Boulevard in Manila, was arrested on Sunday on the orders of Manila Police District (MPD) director Brig. Gen. Leo Francisco.

“The Valenzuela police coordinated with my office and they said one of those involved is an MPD police officer,” Francisco said.

Francisco said two other police officers who were invited for questioning were later released after probers found out they were not involved in the murder.

Probers have recovered a .45 caliber pistol and a red Honda Civic the suspects allegedly used in the crime.

Sinas did not say what was the suspects’ motive in killing Sunuk.