Yape’s murder: Conflict with cops, politicians eyed

CEBU, Philippines — The authorities are now looking at the alleged conflict against police officers and with politicians as a motive in the killing of former PIB Cebu Chief Joie Pacito Yape, who was shot dead while walking in Barangay Kamputhaw, Cebu City last November 21.

Police Colonel Geovannie Maines, officer-in-charge of Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), said that the Special Intelligence Task Group (SITG) created to investigate Yape’s death was set to hold its first conference yesterday.

Based on the recent information that the authorities got in their investigation, Maines said that Yape allegedly had raised a conflict with the other police officers back when he was still the PIB Chief in the province.

Aside from the police officers, Yape allegedly as well had an issue with some politicians. However, Maines said they are yet to validate the information.

“Baka may mga connection din yun, hindi natin alam. We are still validating,” Maines said.

He added that Yape’s body was already transferred to Misamis Occidental last November 22.

At present, Maines said that they were able to retrieve two CCTV footages in the area.  Abellana Police Station Chief Elisandro Quijano still has one more CCTV footage to retrieve, according to Maines.

He is also hopeful that after the enhancement of the retrieved CCTV footages, they will be able to get the clearer lead in their investigation.

At present, Maines revealed that they are sticking with the possible motive that the murder was job-related.

“We have also other leads but as to now we cannot still divulge because it’s still in the process,” Maines said.

He said they are also looking at whether the perpetrators of Clarin, Misamis Occidental Mayor David Navarro and Yape are the same or are related.

Meanwhile, Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 Chief Valeriano T. De Leon said that the true motive of the murder will not be fully established yet not unless clear evidence will be presented.

De Leon added that he will not be giving any timeframe for the investigation not until right pieces of evidence will be gathered.

“He used to be with the investigation branch, intelligence branch.  Maaring  merong nahulihan in the past, may naipakulong in the past, o naimbestigahan in the past na baka malapit na sya sa dulo ng kanyang pag-iimbestiga ay doon naman nagkaroon ng ganong pangyayari,” De Leon said.

De Leon also suspected that Yape’s perpetrators are members of a gun-for-hire group, saying that their investigation will be based on evidence. (FREEMAN)