Paltik used in designer's killing

CEBU, Philippines - The police are still investigating how Australian Joseph Cardona was able to acquire the .22 cal. revolver he used to kill his live-in partner, Cebuana fashion designer Joy Bernaldez, as foreigners in the Philippines cannot legally own guns.

Police also said the gun appeared to be a homemade unlicensed firearm as it had no serial number. The Investigation and Detective Management Branch said if they can trace who really owned the gun they will file charges against the owner.

Dr. Joe Martin Fuentes, medico-legal officer of the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory-7 said Bernaldez, 52, was shot in the nose and the bullet lodged in the left portion of her head.

“Isa lang ang tama niya sa ulo at doon ko nakuha ang bala ng baril,” Fuentes said.

Fuentes did not conduct an autopsy on Cardona, 53, because they need permission from the Australian embassy.

“Kailangan talaga ng representative either from the family or from the embassy para maiwasan ‘yung duda nila,” Fuentes said.

Bernaldez was shot dead inside her home at the Agro-Macro Subdivision in Barangay Cabancalan, Mandaue City, last Saturday night by Cardona, who also took his own life.

One of the helpers told police that after they had an argument Cardona went upstairs to turn off the lights and Bernaldez also went upstairs to get her laptop. Before she could reach the second floor, Cardona reportedly shot her.

Helpers Chona Cabugason said that when they heard the gunshot, they checked and found Bernaldez already dead.

Sensing danger, they locked themselves in the room where the two grandchildren of Bernaldez were.

Investigator PO3 Rommel Limo of the Mandaue City Police Office IDMB said after Cardona shot Bernaldez he went looking for Jose Mariano Climaco, the victim’s son, who also lives in the same house but the latter fled after sensing danger.

IDMB homicide chief Insp. Ramil Morpos suspected that the killing was triggered on Sunday morning when Bernaldez asked their driver Jimmy Armonio to transfer some of Cardona’s clothes to a pension house in Cebu City.

Bernaldez allegedly wanted to break up with Cardona who did not want to end the relationship.

The family of Bernaldez thanked those who have condoled with them and offered all sorts of assistance to help ease their pain and also requested for privacy. (FREEMAN)