Cops consider politics in death of Sonny’s bodyguard

CEBU, Philippines - The police are now considering politics as the motive behind the killing of the bodyguard of former Senator John Henry “Sonny” Osmeña  Friday morning in Barangay Luray II, Toledo City.

Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 Marcelo Garbo Jr. said Osmeña gave them information that would suggest that the attack was politically motivated.

“He (Osmeña) gave us information and suggested to look into and consider other angle including politics…We are considering that,” Garbo said.

Initial investigation revealed that the killing may be related to labor issues as victim Rene Embralinag, 42, of Barangay Captain Claudio, was involved in the recent certification election of a labor union of the Carmen Copper Corporation.

But Garbo said the description of the possible gunman given by Osmeña matched with their suspect, who is now subject of a manhunt operation.

Garbo ordered the Regional Intelligence Division (RID)-7 to investigate the killing. He added that suspect was a gun-for-hire.

“It’s a matter of gathering data and evidence,” Garbo said.

If the killing will be proven to be politically motivated, Garbo will put Toledo City in the election watchlist.

Embralinag was a bodyguard and close friend of Osmeña.

Osmeña is running for mayor in Toledo City against incumbent Toledo City Mayor Aurelio Espinosa.

Embralinag died of multiple gunshot wounds in different parts of his body.

He was on board his motorcycle heading for Barangay Poblacion from the Cebu Electric Cooperative (CEBECO) Inc. office where he paid his electric bill when two men who were tailing him shot him dead. –/MBG (FREEMAN)