Reynes triggerman, 2 others charged

CEBU, Philippines – Three people, including the alleged triggerman, have been charged with murder before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor's Office in relation to the ambush-slaying of former Compostela Mayor Joselito "Cocoy" Reynes last week.

Wilson Pasaol, Dominador Viloria Sr. and a still unidentified cohort were named respondents of the criminal complaint filed yesterday by provincial police director Erson Digal.

At least three witnesses have positively identified Pasaol, who remains at large, as the alleged gunman who ambushed Reynes last August 2 in the evening Barangay Estaca, Compostela. 

Sheena Marie Esther Dangoy Maru, Lilibeth Ylagan and Carlos Bugtai identified Pasaol thru a picture shown to them by the police as the alleged triggerman.

Maru, a waitress of Tropical Hut Beach, where the victim had a few drinks before he was shot dead, said she saw Pasaol and Viloria follow Reynes when the latter left the beach moments before he was ambushed.

Ylagan, a balut vendor, said she was standing at the gate of the resort where Reynes had a few drinks prior to the ambush. She allegedly saw Pasaol with a male companion.

Meanwhile, Regional Trial Court Branch 5 Judge Douglas Marigomen has dismissed the petition for writ of habeas corpus filed by Viloria's wife, Lucia, questioning the validity of his arrest for lack of merit.

In a six-page resolution dated August 10, Marigomen said that criminal complaints for illegal possession of firearms have already been filed against Viloria, Sr. and his son, Viloria, Jr.

Earlier, Lucia petitioned before the court for the issuance of habeas corpus and writ of amparo against Regional Special Operations Group-7 chief Insp. Romeo Santander and Police Regional Office-7 chief Lani-O Nerez because of the alleged questionable arrest of her husband and son.

The Vilorias were arrested for illegal possession of firearms after they were seen carrying firearms while the police were conducting surveillance against the elder Viloria because of his alleged involvement as lookout in the ambush of Reynes.

Viloria, Sr. was seen carrying a .357 revolver prompting the police to run after him. However, the suspect went inside his house prompting the police to forcibly enter his house.

The suspect was arrested together with his son after the latter was also seen in possession of a Cal. 45 pistol.  (THE FREEMAN)