Cops nab councilor’s ‘killer’

CEBU, Philippines - Three days after the death of Argao Councilor Joaquin Banosong, the suspect in the attack was arrested in Cebu City yesterday afternoon.

Reynaldo Destacamento, 32, of Barangay San Isidro, Talisay City was nabbed by elements of the Regional Intelligence Division, Provincial Intelligence Branch and Argao Police at 3:30 p.m. after he was positively identified by a witness.

Based on the identification cards recovered by the operatives, Destacamento also used a fictitious name, Aldarino Vallejos.

Cebu Provincial Police Office Director Senior Supt. Patrocinio Comendador said that aside from being positively identified, the facial composite of the gunman also matched with Destacamento’s features.

“Sa among rogue’s gallery siya gyud unya pagkakita pud sa witness niya walay lipod-lipod nga nitudlo niya. Gun-for-hire gyud,” Comendador said.

Recovered from Destacamento was his cellular phone that contains an empty folder with a  caption “my kill”.

The cellular phone was submitted to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Digital Forensic Laboratory for possible file retrieval.

Police still pursue business and personal grudge as possible motives in the attack.

Destacamento was arrested by the Argao police two months ago for qualified theft and a case was filed in court.

His name also appears in the records of the RID and the PIB during follow up operations.

Comendador added that with the arrest of Destacamento, they are now 80 percent done in their investigation.

“Ang importante makuha namo ang principal suspect,” he said.

But Destacamento denied the accusations and claimed he was with his family last Monday when Banosong was shot dead in Barangay Lamacan, Argao.

“Akong duha ka anak, neighbors and family maka-prove ana,” he said in a separate interview.

Destacamento said he was on his way to the Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 when he was arrested.

He said he was invited by a policeman, whom he refused to name.

Destacamento is a cellular phone and laptop repairman.

“Padung ko campo unya nahibulong ko nga gi-arresto nako,” he said.

Banosong was about to board his silver Hyundai Starex van carrying food for dinner when fatally shot. He was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

Banosong’s van bore two bullet holes. Found in the scene were three empty shells, three slugs and a holster. - /MBG (FREEMAN)