CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Police Office is looking into land dispute, robbery and personal grudge as the motives for the killing of the barangay captain of Monteverde, Samboan town last Wednesday.
But Sr. Supt. Erson Digal, director of CPPO, said that they were still conducting thorough investigation into the killing of Moteverde barangay captain Cirilo Deniega.
Digal also disclosed the possibility that the motive for the killing was political because Samboan Mayor Raymond Calderon told him that Deniega, 38, does not have any enemies in their place.
“Ako man gyud naestorya ang mayor sa Samboan. Siya miingon nga wala gyud ni kontra si Deniega kay iyaha gud ning kaalyado,” Digal said.
However, Digal said they are checking whether robbery triggered the crime because of the statement of the victim’s aunt that at least P10,000 cash of the victim was lost during the incident.
“Pero ako sa nga tan-aw kung tulis gyud ang tuyo dili na unta magsunog-sunog pa ang suspek. Diretso unta ni og sulod sa balay dayon tulis,” Digal said.
The police officers could not determine the identity of the suspects as they are still waiting for the witnesses to give statements.
Digal also said they would not ask any assistance from the Provincial Intelligence Branch as they can manage the investigation into the incident.
Deniega sustained gunshot wounds to his head and back when unidentified men opened fire at him in front of his house about 12:30 a.m. Before the shooting, Deniega immediately went out from his house to check a fire that broke out.
Once outside, Deniega was shot and was killed on the spot and the gunman immediately fled.
The aunt of the victim told the police that the victim’s P10,000 cash might have been carted away by the suspects.
Recovered from the crime scene were two empty shells of caliber .45 pistol, a plastic bottle with gasoline, a lighter and a flashlight. — Gabriel C. Bonjoc/LPM (FREEMAN NEWS)