Sketch of 2nd suspect in DOTC executive's ambush released

MANILA, Philippines – Police released yesterday a sketch of another suspect in the failed ambush-slay Wednesday of a top official of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) in Pasig City.

Metro police director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales urged the public to report to the nearest police station the presence of persons resembling two of the five suspects in the ambush of Elmer Soneja, assistant secretary for planning and research development of the DOTC.

He said that once the suspects are arrested, a P1-million reward offered by DOTC Secretary Leandro Mendoza would be given to the informers.

Rosales admitted they are still facing a blank wall in their investigation of Soneja’s ambush because the victim could not be interviewed at the moment.

Though he is listed in stable condition at the Medical City, doctors prevented members of Task Force Soneja from talking to him until he is ready to give his statement on the incident.

Senior Superintendent Mario Soriano, head of Task Force Soneja released Thursday a sketch of the first suspect, whom witnesses described as between 20 to 25 years old, 5’2” or 5’3” in height, fair-complexioned, of medium build and wearing a black t-shirt and denim pants.

The second suspect was described as between 40 to 45 years old, 5’4” in height, thin, with facial wrinkles, and wearing a red polo shirt and denim pants.

Soriano said they are still in the process of profiling the victim to determine who wants him dead.

Soneja appeared before the Senate hearing on the cancelled $329-million ZTE broadband deal and testified that there was nothing anomalous in the contract. He is also the chairman of the DOTC’s awards and bids committee.

Rosales squelched reports that the ambush is related to Soneja’s Senate appearance but he admitted that they would look into it.

“All angles are being looked into. We will leave no stone unturned in our effort to solve the case,” he said. “But as of now, we have not yet established the motive (for) the ambush.” – Non Alquitran