‘Lovers’ found dead in room

CEBU, Philippines - A couple who sought for police protection after receiving a death threat was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds yesterday morning in Barangay Poblacion, Liloan.

Leodita Cañete, 49, annulled, and her lover, Nerio Tangcawan, 57, widower, of Barangay Libertad, Daanbantayan, were found dead inside the servant’s quarter outside the house that Cañete owns around 10 a.m.

Police could not yet say who killed the two. Their bodies will be subjected to a paraffin test and autopsy at the Rolling Hills Funeral Homes in Barangay Banilad, Mandaue City.

Prior to the incident, Cañete and Tangcawan went to the police station around 8:45 p.m. Sunday for help after Cañete received a death threat through a text message from one Danilo Berezo, 37, of Barangay Yati, Liloan and who is reportedly another lover of Cañete.

Chief Insp. Jose Liddawa detailed PO1 Jose Ahron Ortega at the house of Cañete at 11 p.m.

SPO3 Marcelino Servilla said Tangcawan went to bed ahead of Cañete who stayed up until 3 a.m. talking to Ortega.

Cañete and Tangcawan decided to sleep in the servant’s quarter as Berezo did not have a key to that room. 

They believed this could prevent Berezo from doing any harm.

While it was raining hard, Ortega reportedly heard a single burst and a woman crying.  He checked the area using his flashlight but since there was no commotion around, Ortega went back to where he was staying.

“Naay nipaka pero ang gibantayan si Berezo man nga dili makasulod pag-iwag sa kural, wala may tao mao nibalik siya sa iyang pwesto,” Servilla said.

It was around 7:50 a.m. yesterday when Ortega decided to text Cañete that he needed to proceed to the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) as he would render as night watch patrol.

Cañete did not reply.

Ortega asked Joaquin Lukaylukay, Cañete’s driver, if he could call the cellphone of his boss to wake her up but nobody answered.

“Nakuyawan na ang pulis (Ortega) kay wala na man gyuy motubag ikadaghan na nila pukawa,” Servilla said.

With the permission of Cañete’s brother, Leo Cañete, they entered the room through the window at around 10 a.m. and found the cold bodies of the victims.

Cañete sustained multiple gunshot wounds in her body while Tangcawan had a gunshot wound in the head.

Recovered from the scene were two deformed slugs, two bullets, four empty cartridge, .357 handgun, four teeth and shred of skin.

Police could not determine who owns the teeth and the shred of skin pending physician’s examination.

The firearm is now in the custody of the Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) which will be submitted to the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory-7 in Camp Sotero Cabahug, Cebu City for ballistic examination.

During her conversation with Ortega, Cañete reportedly revealed that she wanted to end her relationship with Tangcawan but she did not say if she wants to be Berezo.

“Possible dunay heated argument nahitabo sa sulod nga misantop sa pagpamusil,” Servilla said.

Liddawa told The FREEMAN that even if Berezo was not in the scene, he will still subjected to an investigated.

Liddawa said they could hold Ortega liable as he secured the house and the couple in good faith.

“Wala akong nakikitang liability kay in good faith man siya nagpunta doon pero andu’n lang siya sa labas,” he said.

Liddawa added that Ortega’s purpose was only to secure the house from Berezo.

The FREEMAN called Ortega for comments but he refused to answer calls. — /MBG (FREEMAN)