Authorities are tracking down the primary gunman who was responsible for killing a son of tribal datu in Purok 4, Barangay Carmen, Bagiuo District last Saturday evening.
Lt. Col. Edgar Nigos, commander of the 84th Infantry Battalion, identified the suspect as Roberto Castillote of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, allegedly a member of NPA’s Front Committee 54.
Nigos said that according to witnesses, Castillote shot Paulino Landim Jr., resident of Purok 8 in Sitio Pictan, Barangay Cadalian. The victim was hogtied and allegedly accosted by about 10 armed men at around 7 p.m.
“There were witnesses saying that Landim was pleading for his life,” he said, adding that the barangay captain was also present when Landim was killed.
Based on the police report, Landim was forced to kneel down in front of a chapel where he was shot three times on the chest and back.
The Baguio Police Precinct was able to recover a slug and two empty shells of caliber .45, a 42-inch black twine and soil samples with blood stains. He disclosed that the suspect had a standing warrant for murder.
According to Nigos, the victim was accused of being an informant of the army.
The battalion commander also revealed that the armed group asked for a cellular phone and rain boots from the victim two weeks prior to the incident, adding that the group allegedly met with the victim on Feb. 28. However, the victim was not able to give in to their demands.
Nigos said the NPA might have interest on the victim’s high-power binoculars and camera which was believed to be another reason for killing him. The equipment were issued to by the
http://www.mindanaotimes.net/alleged-npa-accused-of-killing-tribal-datu-hunted/
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.