Money reward attracting ‘witnesses’ in ambush case

CEBU, Philippines - A number of “witnesses” have appeared since the P200,000 reward was offered to those who can pinpoint the gunman who killed Crisanta Lauro, the lover of Pio V. Corpus Mayor Hermenigildo Betonio III.

Insp. Manuel Cañete, chief of the Cebu City Police Homicide Section, also said one of those who claimed to have witnessed the shooting outside Pier 3 last April 15 is a taxi driver who reportedly knows the gunman.

“Ako siya giawhag na ari diri sa opisina para pormal na makuhaan og pamahayag. Unya wala man sad miari,” Cañete said.

Like the taxi driver, Cañete said the other people who claimed to have witnessed the shooting just called up the homicide section, but reportedly refused to appear for formal investigation.

Cañete said tipsters should appear so that police can verify their information thoroughly, otherwise, the information would be useless and can be easily dismissed.

Police earlier advised Betonio’s camp to be cautious as it is very easy for anyone to give false information just to get the reward money.

The only genuine witness authorities have, so far, is Betonio’s sister, Leny Betonio Eser, who survived the ambush.

Yesterday, the Homicide Section chief showed the second facial composite or cartographic sketch of the gunman based on Eser’s descriptions. Eser did not identify the face on the first sketch released by the police.

“Mao ni (second sketch) ang gitudlo ni Konsehal Eser nga maoy gapusil nila,” Cañete said.

The gunman is said to be in his 30s and has a slim build. The gunman also wore a cap during the incident.

Eser and Lauro who was six months pregnant were heading for Talisay City on board a taxicab when two men on a motorcycle shot them at a stop light on V. Sotto St. Corner Sergio Osmeña Blvd. Eser was wounded in her palm while Lauro died immediately of gunshot wounds to the head and chest.

The two women just got off the vessel that brought them to Cebu City from Masbate where Lauro had been living in with Mayor Betonio. Former mayor of Placer, Surigao del Norte, Charry Mangacop, who still claimed to be Lauro’s husband, is cooperating with the police for the assailants’ arrest. —/JMO (FREEMAN)