Cops to arrest Reynes' gunman "legally"

CEBU, Philippines - The police yesterday said they have already identified the gunman in the killing of former Compostela town mayor Joselito “Cocoy” Reynes following the arrest of the alleged lookout in the killing.

Chief Insp. Romeo Santander, head of the Regional Special Operations Group, said they are now working on the legal process to arrest the gunman.

“There’s no such thing as hot pursuit operation. Ato na gi-wave ang hot pursuit operation karon. So, ato iagi og legal process ang pagdakop sa gunman,” Santander told The FREEMAN in an interview yesterday.

Santander refused to name the gunman pending ongoing investigation, saying he knows he is being considered a suspect.

The police official disclosed, though, that the suspect is in Compostela and has not yet stepped out of the town as of yesterday.

The police would still not confirm if politics is the motive behind the attack because commenting on it may jeopardize their operation, he said.

Also, Santander disclosed they have already prepared the affidavits executed by five witnesses against the gunman and against Dominador Viloria, Sr., the alleged lookout, for the filing of appropriate charges tomorrow.

Viloria, 54, who used to be an ambulance driver of the municipality during the term of Mayor Ritchie Wagas, was arrested in the mountain Barangay of Mulao Friday dawn.

With the arrest of the alleged lookout and identification of the suspected gunman, the police are now working on the latter’s arrest and eventually identify the driver and mastermind in the killing.

Viloria is tagged as the lookout when Reynes was shot dead by two motorcycle-riding men late Monday night in Barangay Estaca.

Santander said witnesses testified that Viloria was seen before and after Reynes was killed.

RSOG operatives were supposed to do a surveillance operation on Viloria, but made its move when the team members saw him carrying a gun, a caliber .357 magnum revolver, outside his residence. His son, Dominador Viloria, Jr., 23, was also arrested after a caliber .45 pistol was recovered from him.

A charge for illegal possession of firearms will be filed against the Vilorias before the provincial prosecutor’s office tomorrow, Santander said.

As to the charge they will face relative to Reynes’ killing, Santander said it will be determined tomorrow.

Santander was also unfazed by lawyer Rex Fenandez, Viloria’s legal counsel, threat to file charges for violation of domicile, arbitrary detention, child abuse and torture against the police.

“Normal na man na sa among trabaho,” Santander said.

Fernandez failed to secure writs of habeas corpus and amparo for his clients and the two are still detained at the Police Regional Office detention cell as of yesterday, Santander said.

Santander challenged the family of Viloria to air their accusations against the arresting team before the court. Viloria Sr.’s wife, Lucia, alleged the police ransacked their house and arrested her husband and son in front of her another son, a nine-year-old.

Santander also denied Fernandez’ allegations that they blindfolded Viloria, Jr. when they took him from Compostela up to PRO-7 detention cell.

He however admitted they barged into the house when Viloria won’t heed their request to be allowed inside. Viloria allegedly pointed a gun at them when they got inside the house resulting to a scuffle and the suspect was eventually disarmed.   (FREEMAN NEWS)