Mastermind in Carcar City killing falls

CEBU, Philippines - The suspected mastermind in the death of a businessman in Carcar City was arrested by the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) operatives at the vicinity of a hospital in Cebu City yesterday afternoon.

Jay Camotes, 33, was arrested by elements of Theft and Robbery Section of CCPO by virtue of an alias warrant of arrest for resistance and disobedience to a person in authority issued last July 1 by Judge Grace Ytil of the Municipal Trial Court of Carcar City.

The complainant was SPO1 Eduardo Bagul of Carcar City police after an encounter with the suspect almost two years ago, SPO1 Meliton Agadier said.

The Carcar City Police filed a murder case against Camotes for allegedly masterminding the shooting to death of Eric Uraca in July 12.

Uraca, 34, was shot dead while carrying his two-year-old child outside his motorcycle shop on Rizal Street, Carcar City. Ronilo Montalla, the alleged gunman, and Lupe Gicalem, who drove the getaway motorcycle, were arrested a few hours after the shooting.

Sr. Insp. Bonifacio Garciano, chief of TRS, who led the operation, said they received information that the suspect was in a hospital in Cebu City yesterday for his continuous medication of the gunshot wound in his leg which he got when he accidentally fired his gun some time last year in Carcar City.

They then implemented the warrant furnished to them by the court and used it as a basis in arresting Camotes.

Garciano said they recovered a 9mm pistol and a pack of shabu from the suspect.

The suspect claimed that the firearm is licensed but since he was not able to present pertinent documents to prove its legality, a case for illegal possession of firearm, including possession of illegal drugs will be filed against him, Garciano said.

The suspect is now detained at the CCPO stockade and will be turned over to the municipal trial court for the murder case he is facing. — THE FREEMAN