Cop now know brains behind trader's slay

CEBU, Philippines – The Cebu City Police Office said they have already identified the mastermind of the killing of businesswoman Lalaine Jore following the arrest of former Army Scout Ranger Filomeno Amistad last Saturday afternoon in Carcar City.

Chief Insp. George Ylanan, chief of the Investigation and Detective Management Branch of CCPO, said that with the arrest of Amistad, a recently retired soldier, they also recognized the real motive of Jore’s slay.

“Posible na ang identity sa mastermind sa krimen apan dili lang una nato ma-divulge tungod kay duna pa man mi gisubay sa imbestigasyon,” Ylanan said.

Ylanan said the case is now considered solved although they are still eyeing other possible motives of the crime perpetrated that may help strengthen their case against Amistad.

The IDMB chief said that they cannot determine if Amistad was a gun-for-hire but they believe that someone instructed him to kill the said businesswoman.

Police will file charges for murder and illegal possession of firearms against Amistad who is now detained at the CCPO stockade.

An unlicensed 9mm pistol with seven bullets was confiscated from his possession upon his arrest in barangay Poblacion, Carcar City.

As earlier reported, a woman police operative approached Amistad who allegedly thought that she would ask for his help in a follow-up operation, considering his background in intelligence work.

Two witnesses concealed in a tinted vehicle parked nearby positively identified Amistad during his conversation with the woman and he was arrested. 

Jore was killed last February 17 in her own establishment, the Gorordo Convenience Store and Internet café along Gorordo Ave., barangay Camputhaw.

Ylanan said Amistad and the man filmed by a security camera inside the convenience store have the same profile.

Amistad denied any part in the killing of Jore and said he was in Manila at the time to process his retirement benefits.

Jore, 34, died in the hospital from multiple gunshot wounds to the head and body, apparently from a .45 cal. pistol.

Initial findings showed that the suspects had been frequenting the store of Jore several days before she was attacked. — Niña Chrismae G. Sumacot/BRP (THE FREEMAN)