Police question Baracael pals, fellow Tamaraws

Police probing the Mac Baracael shooting incident yesterday began questioning a number of friends and co-players of the fallen FEU cager to help determine the possible motive for the slay try.

This developed as security personnel of the Philtrust Bank finally agreed to furnish investigators a copy of the CCTV (closed-circuit television) tapes, which could help the probers identify the lone gunman.

Investigators are hoping that the CCTV camera installed outside the Philtrust Bank may have caught on film the shooting incident.

Baracael was shot from behind Thursday night after the team‘s practice at the FEU gym near Philtrust Bank at Morayta corner R. Papa Sts. in Sampaloc. Two empty shells of a .45 caliber pistol were recovered at the scene.

Chief Inspector Dominador Arevalo Jr. said they are also looking at some reports that the attack on Baracael was the handiwork of people who want to influence the results of the Tamaraws’ games in the UAAP.

“We already have the statements of some people regarding that issue. However, we still have to verify these,” Arevalo said, adding only Baracael can confirm or deny the allegations.   

“Maybe we can get more information from him to get to the bottom of the incident,” Arevalo said.

Probers are also coordinating with FEU athletic director Mark Molina for some information from Baracael, who is under the protective custody of the university management.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim has directed homicide investigators to coordinate with the Sampaloc police station to investigate the shooting incident and find the assailant.

Witnesses described the gunman as at least 5-4, medium built, and in his late 20s. The suspect was wearing a collarless red t-shirt and carrying on his shoulder a dark bag. After the shooting, the gunman casually fled on foot towards España. – Nestor Etolle