Shooting of businessman Ouano siblings assure cooperation in probe

CEBU, Philippines - The siblings of slain businessman Antonio Ouano are reportedly willing to put up a reward for anyone who can give information on the identity of the suspects in Ouano’s death.

This was revealed by Ouano’s younger sister Vilma during a visit to the Mandaue City Police Office yesterday. Vilma said this is to show that she and her siblings are fully cooperating in the investigation to immediately solve the case.

Ouano was shot dead by two motorcycle-riding men during a heavy downpour last week while on board his yellow Toyota Hi-lux pick-up with his secretary Nene Mangubat. The two just came from a mediation meeting at the Palace of Justice in Guizo, Mandaue City and were headed to another hearing when waylaid. Mangubat was unhurt.

Ouano sustained four gunshot wounds, which caused his death. 

Vilma also sent a letter to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) 7 requesting for assistance in the investigation.

Lauro Reyes, NBI 7 Deputy Regional Director, said the letter mentioned motivations for the mastermind to kill her brother, including family squabble and land dispute. Reyes said the information is useful because it would give the NBI a starting point in the investigation.

“Though we have leads, we will not discount other possibilities and other angles,” Reyes said. He also said that Vilma herself will not be spared in the investigation. Vilma has filed several cases against Ouano.

Reyes said Ouano’s family is wondering why the late businessman was not using the vehicle he usually uses and why no driver was assigned to him on the day he was ambushed last Friday.

“But as of now we need to establish something concrete first,” Reyes said.

In Mandaue Police, Vilma assured Mandaue Police Director Noel Gillamac that she would be available anytime she would be needed in the course of the investigation. Gillamac said Vilma also gave them a letter seeking for the immediate resolution of the case.

Vilma went to MCPO with lawyer Rex Fernandez. She reportedly offered confidential information to the authorities.

Meanwhile, “Task Force Ouano” head P/Supt. James Goforth said yesterday an alleged member of a gun-for-hire group based in Balamban town will be presented to the witnesses in Ouano’s shooting for identification. The man, Dwight Carmelotes, was arrested last Thursday in relation to a frustrated homicide case several years ago. 

Carmelotes was arrested at a construction site near his live-in partner’s house in Barangay Cubacub in Mandaue City.

He is also allegedly involved in the killing of a rookie policeman in Balamban last March. Carmelotes, however, denied killing PO1 Romel Taping and said he was just mistakenly identified as one of the accused.

Still, during interrogation, he admitted knowing at least five members of the gun-for-hire group yet insisted he is not part of the circle.

Crime scene operatives were able to recover five empty shells of caliber .45 from the crime scene at the North Reclamation Area.

A driver of a pedal-powered tricycle for hire reportedly witnessed the crime, but failed to see the plate number of the motorcycle used by the suspects due to the heavy rain. The assailants fled towards Mantawi Avenue.

Antonio was a contractor, administrator of the Ouano Wharf, operates several barges plying the Mactan Channel, and also owned an arrastre firm.

Chief Supt. Ager Ontog, chief of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-7, has also directed all intelligence units to help in the case. — (FREEMAN)