On death of bodyguard: Cartographic sketches out

CEBU, Philippines - Carmen Police yesterday released the cartographic sketches on two persons tagged behind the killing of a retired policeman who worked as security supervisor of Mayor Sonia Pua.

As this developed, supporters of Nonito Taoy and Mayor Pua herself launched a campaign to raise funds for the reward money for those who can provide information of the assailants of Taoy.

The cartographic sketch read that one of the assailants is estimated to be from 29 to 30 years old, 5’6” to 5’7” in height, medium, fair complexion, wearing white t-shirt with orange stripes on the sleeves and on the neckline.

The second assailant is estimated to be between 40 to 42 years old, small built with dark complexion, curly thinning hair, missing teeth, and was wearing a black leather jacket over a black shirt.

Pua, on the other hand, said that since the municipal government lacks funds, they decided to raise the P50,000 reward money to encourage people to give proper information to the police on the whereabouts of the assailants.

Taoy succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds while outside the M1 Security Agency in barangay Cogon West at 4 p.m. the other day. He was a retired policeman who worked as a supervisor and inspector for the said security agency owned by the Puas.

Prior to that, he was assigned at the Regional Intelligence Office.

Aside from working as a security supervisor, Taoy was also active in barangay activities and in preparation for Pua’s bid for reelection.

Police said that four men onboard two motorcycles opened fire at Taoy. He was wounded in the head and other parts of the body. He was rushed to the nearby Danao City District Hospital but did not make it there alive.

He was one of four men allegedly kidnapped during the 2007 elections. The incident was blamed on the camp of Danao City Mayor Ramonito Durano who denied the allegation.

Taoy at that time supported the camp of the late mayor Virginio “Benyong” Villamor. But when a political rift between Mayor Pua and Vice Mayor Gerard Villamor ensued, Taoy joined Pua’s camp.

Meanwhile, Chief Supt. Lani-O Nerez, director of the Police Regional Office-7, said that one of the angles they are eyeing now, aside from politics, is Taoy’s latest job, his previous work as police intelligence officer. They are also to check on the personal background of Taoy for further leads.

As for Cebu Provincial Police Office director, Sr. Supt. Jesus Gaquing, he said that he still has to talk to the chief of the Carmen Police, Chief Insp. Carlos Reyes, who dealt with the witnesses for the cartographic sketches.

“Bisan gi-abduct ni ang biktima last election, dili sab ta makasulti dayon nga politically motivated ang pagpatay. Daghan pa man ta’g anggulong gitan-aw,” Gaquing said. — Jose P. Sollano and Gabriel C. Bonjoc/MEEV  (THE FREEMAN)