Police identify ‘swindlers’ who plunged into river

CEBU, Philippines - Police have identified the swindlers who plunged into the Argao River after a brief chase  in Barangay Canbanua Monday morning.

Suspects were identified as Zenaida Gil, 40, and her husband, Gilbert Gil, 45 from Masbate City but were temporarily residing in Barangay Lagtang, Talisay City.

Harvey Cabriana, 20, Zenaida’s son, and his uncle, Cristino Cabriana, went to  Argao Police Station yesterday morning to check the body after they received reports about a woman who was found dead in the river last Monday.

Insp. Alejandro Batobalonos of Argao Police told The FREEMAN that the family of the couple already knew about Gilbert’s modus operandi.

“Nakahibalo na sila ana. Gibadlong na gani nila si Zenaida aron dili maamong ug dunay dakop, dili man gyud mobiya,” Batobalonos said in a phone interview.

Zenaida reportedly did not want Gilbert out of her sight when she heard rumors that the latter was having an affair with another woman.

The couple had three children and the eldest is 18 years old.

Gilbert allegedly earns through illegal means.

Police and barangay officials are still searching for Gilbert who remains missing.

“Amo nang gisubay sa sapa, wala man makit-i. Ni-coordinate na gani mi sa nearby police stations in case ug dunay makit-an sa ilang area nga black og jacket,” Batobalonos said.

The couple was on board a Honda XRM motorcycle when they made a left turn while being chased by the police Monday morning for victimizing Nomeriano Albiso, 86, in the mountain barangay of Montpeller.

Police called the suspects to surrender but both kept on accelerating their motorcycle until they reached a dead end portion and preferred to plunge into the river to avoid getting caught.

Due to the strong current, the couple did not survive.

Zenaida was found near the Argao National High School but was declared dead upon reaching the hospital.

Police now warn residents in mountain areas to be aware of people who pretend or pose as medical practitioner whom they do not know and offer some medicine without proper prescription or labels. — (FREEMAN)