Police have 2 witnesses in shooting of Argao official

CEBU, Philippines - Police now have two witnesses who already gave descriptions for the facial composite of the assailants who gunned down Argao outgoing councilor Joaquin Banosong last Monday in Barangay Lamacan, Argao.

Both witnesses were at the public market when the shooting incident took place past 5:00p.m.

Cebu Provincial Police Office Director Sr. Supt. Patrocinio Comendador, however, said they are yet to compare the facial composite to the suspects involved in crimes in Cebu province and in Cebu City through the rogue’s gallery.

“We will check our files of rogue’s gallery kay possibly naay previous record ni nga mu-match sa ni-come up sa facial composite,” Comendador said.

Comendador said some surfaced during their investigation but he clarified that they are still in the elimination process.

As soon as police have identified the gunman, appropriate criminal charge is set to be filed.

Comendador has created a task group to fast track the investigation.

Banosong, 64, was about to board his Hyundai Starex van carrying food for dinner when he was fatally shot by the gunman. He was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

He died of a bullet which hit his left temple and exited in the neck which then went through the right ear. This showed that Banosong was shot in close range.

Banosong’s van bore two bullet holes. Found in the scene were three empty shells, three slugs and a holster.

Personal grudge and business are among the possible motives that police are looking into.

With regards to the P50,000 reward money raised by Argao Mayor Edsel Galeos, Comendador welcomed the idea as this could encourage the public to give information to the police but he admitted that reward money could sometimes mislead the investigation as people would give false information just to get the cash.

“Naa sad ni disadvantage kay may be police could be misinformed that is why we are to verify information first,” he said.— (FREEMAN)