Possible suspects in killing of taxi driver identified

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue police have identified two possible suspects in the killing of a taxi driver in Barangay Pagsabungan evening last Sunday.

Mandaue Police Director Sr. Supt. Noel Gillamac said three witnesses – a security guard, barangay councilman, and a driver for a motorcycle-for-hire - have already issued statements in relation to the incident.

However, the names of the suspects would have to be withheld pending investigation, Gillamac said.

Gillamac said his men employed the process of elimination and case back tracking in identifying the possible suspects. So far, investigation also showed that the incident is a case of robbery and homicide.

Eliezer Parilla, 48, a native of Barangay Poblacion, Medellin, was found inside his taxi unit with a slashed on his neck, which was believed to have caused his untimely death. His taxi unit with plate number GXC-973 is operated by Joycellemar Taxi.

His body was found at the backseat of his cab, which was parked at a dark area in sitio Basbas in Barangay Pagsabungan.

Police believe the victim was robbed and was eventually killed when he tried to resist. A knife was found inside the cab, but Parilla’s mobile phone and wallet went missing.

One of the witnesses said he saw two men who immediately rode on a motorcycle and sped away from the area where the cab was parked.

The other witness, the driver of a motorcycle-for-hire, also said he was on his way home when he saw Parilla’s taxi past 11 pm. He reportedly saw a commotion happening inside the cab with two unidentified men seemingly attacking a person. This prompted him to report the matter to the barangay tanods at an outpost stationed several meters away. The tanods, in turn, relayed the report to the police.

When members of the Investigation and Detective Management Branch of MCPO arrived at the area, the suspects have already fled and Parilla was already sprawled at the back seat, his neck slashed. He was rushed to the Mandaue City District Hospital, but was declared dead on arrival.    (FREEMAN NEWS)