Two suspects in barangay captain's ambush identified

CEBU, Philippines – The identity of one of the two suspects behind the February 6 ambush of 50-year-old Barangay Basak Captain Isabelito “Belong” Darnayla was revealed and is now under police search in Lapu-Lapu City.

Senior Superintendent Arnel Amor Libed, officer-in-charge of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, showed to the media a photo of one suspect, identified as Eric “Mano” Empaso, a resident of Fuentes Road at sitio Kabayu, Barangay Pajac in this city, who is allegedly involved in the illegal drugs trade.

“Meron siyang previous warrant of arrest for murder and also, “Mano” is a drug personality in the area. Nahuli sa checkpoint pero nakatakbo lang. Minasama niya (Empaso) ang pagkasita sa kaniya sa checkpoint,” Libed said.

The security checkpoint of the Marigondon Police Station and the Barangay Peace-keeping and Safety Officers was carried out three weeks ago and Empaso was one of those who underwent through it.

A copy of the arrest warrant for Empaso, dated April 28, 2015 and issued by the Regional Trial Court-branch 53 of the 7th Judiciary Region at the Lapu-Lapu City Hall of Justice, was shown to the media, revealing the suspect’s murder involvement.

“Na-involved din siya sa drug peddling at “gun-for-hire.” Ginagamit siya ng mga drug personalities sa competition nila sa illegal drugs,” Libed said referring to Empaso.

The other suspect, who allegedly served as an “accomplice” was identified as tricycle driver Moto Daligdig, a resident of sitio Iba in Barangay Basak, but police investigators have yet to release his photo.

Libed said the police are currently conducting a hot pursuit operation against the two suspects. “I’m calling to the public if they know the suspects, please report them to the police."

Empaso and Daligdig are the two men personally identified by Darnayla. Charges of frustrated homicide were filed against each of them last Tuesday afternoon.

"So far dalawa pa lang ang na-file natin na kaso, base on the statement of the barangay captain (Darnayla) who positively identified “Mano” (Empaso) and then yung owner ng tricycle (Daligdig) na ginamit na pangslow-down sa sasakyan ni kapitan,” Libed said.

Senior Inspector Zenaido Pastorfide, chief of the LCPO-Crimes Against Persons Desk, added that personal grudge may have pushed Empaso to shoot Darnayla.

Darnayla, who was on-board his black Ford Ranger (plate number VFR-292) was shot at around 7:40 p.m. at sitio Kagudoy, Barangay Basak allegedly by Empaso, in a team up with Daligdig.

Darnayla sustained several gunshot wounds but managed to drive himself to the Mactan Doctor’s Hospital after the incident.

Police were able to recover the tricycle, allegedly left behind by Daligdig, and is now kept at LCPO as evidence. Five empty shells reportedly  from a .45-caliber pistol were recovered from the crime scene.

Libed further told reporters that Darnayla was discharged from the hospital yesterday afternoon and will be provided with security protection considering that the suspects remained at-large.

“Nag-iingat na siya (Darnayla). I advised him to call the station police for security back-up during any activities he will be doing for Barangay Basak,” Libed added. (FREEMAN NEWS)