Police release two more facial sketches of killers

CEBU, Philippines - Two more facial composites of the alleged gunmen, who ambushed and killed lawyer Noel Archival and two of his staff in Barangay Coro, Dalaguete two weeks ago, were released by the police yesterday.

The sketches were based on the descriptions given by the carwash boys who allegedly washed the gray Toyota Hi-Lux believed to be one of the vehicles used in the ambush.

Supt. Rodolfo Albotra, spokesperson of the Task Group Archival, said that the suspects described by the carwash boys had the vehicle washed a day after the ambush.

Albotra said the carwash attendants became suspicious because of the empty shells of M16 ammunitions found inside the vehicle.

“Buntag the next day nagpa-carwash unya gilabay ang mga empty shells sa basurahan pero anang udto na na-report sa amo wa na diha ang basura,” Albotra said.

The carwash attendants could not also remember the prefix letters of the vehicle’s plate except the letter “K.” But they were able to describe two of the three persons who brought the vehicle.

One of the suspects was described to be in his late 30s, 5’3 to 5’4 in height, slim built, fair complexion, has a mole near the nose, wearing sunglasses, has an earring in the left ear, and two of his front teeth are decaying.

“Naklaro siya kay na-naug man kuno ni sa sakyanan unya maoy nagsugo nga ipa-dispose ang mga bala,” Albotra said.

 The other was also described to be in his 30s, long hair, sporting whiskers, big eyes, and medium in built. He was seated beside the driver. The third person was not anymore recognized by the carwash attendant.

 The carwash boys alarmed the police about the suspicious persons but were already late.

Archival and two of his staff, Edu Miñoza and Alejandro Jaime, were killed in an ambush last February 18. Another aide, Paulo Cortez, survived and is now recuperating in the hospital.

The victims were on their way home from a court hearing in Dumaguete City where Archival represented one of the suspects in a major robbery incidents in the city when the incident happened.  (FREEMAN)