Tabanao murder ballistic examination negative – CIB chief

CEBU, Philippines - Efforts by the Special Investigation Task Force Tabanao to solve the killing of Jesus "Jessie" Tabanao suffered a setback as the ballistic examination proved negative, according to City Intelligence Branch chief Romeo Santander.

This after the empty shells of 9mm pistol recovered from the scene where Tabanao, the former spokesman of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-7, was killed did not match with any of the empty shells and firearms used in other crimes in Central Visayas.

"We will still coordinate with the gun stores in the city and check if naa miy makuha didto regarding sa firearm na gigamit," Santander added.

The task force had invited at least five persons, including those who could be made as witnesses. But they just gave the police information and refused to execute any affidavits.

"Igo ra sila mihatag og information. Nasabtan namo nga mahadlok sila mo-execute og affidavit and we just hope they will change their mind and execute a formal affidavit," Santander said.

From their testimonies, Santander said they were able to come up with a facial composite of the assailant.

Authorities said the result of the forensic examination of the three cellular phones recovered from Tabanao's possession yielded significant clues that would help solve the case.

Santander said there had been information based on the forensic result that could possibly lead to the identity of the gunman or anybody involved in the killing.

Tabanao, 35, shot and killed by a lone gunman along Escario Street, Cebu City as he was about to fetch his wife on the evening of September 14.  (FREEMAN)