Suspect in blue guard's killing arrested

CEBU, Philippines - A former member of the Talisay City Intelligence Bureau (formerly known as the Barangay Intelligence Network) who is suspected of having a hand in the killing of a subdivision security guard was arrested yesterday for alleged illegal possession of firearms.

Jolito Labrador, a resident of sitio Caduldulan, barangay Lawaan III, was arrested by a group of policemen led by Inspector Hugo Rio Ipong yesterday morning following a search on his house.

The police were armed with a search warrant issued by Regional Trial Court branch 10 Judge Soliver Peras.

Recovered from Labrador's possession were a .45 caliber pistol, one magazine with four live ammunition, and two empty shells of a .357 caliber revolver.

Labrador has been linked to the killing of Rolly Rodrigo, head security guard of Alpha Executive Homes in Lawaan III.

Rodrigo was shot to death last Dec. 8 while on his way to work.

He succumbed to five gunshot wounds.

Supt. Henry Biñas, Talisay City Police Station chief, said they received reports that it was allegedly Labrador who hired a gunman to kill Rodrigo for P17,000.

But, the person he hired reportedly refused to do the job, being Rodrigo's friend.

Earlier, Rodrigo's family accused Customs broker and Alpha Executive Homes homeowner Bensing Raguindin as the alleged mastermind.

Raguindin reportedly was at odds with Rodrigo due to issues involving subdivision policies.

Even before Rodrigo's death, a group of homeowners, Raguindin included, had reportedly refused to acknowledge the present set of officers for some reasons.

And because of the conflict, they have since stopped paying their monthly dues and guards had refused to open the gates for them.

Raguindin had however denied the allegation, saying he is willing to be investigated.

Meanwhile, Labrador said he has resigned from the TCIB eight months ago after receiving threats from some individuals he refused to name.

For his part however, Biñas said Labrador was dismissed for some misdemeanor.

Labrador will be charged for violation of Republic Act 8294 or "Ilegal Possession of Firearms.”

Meanwhile, police are still investigating the murder of Rodrigo. (FREEMAN)