Video may identify Illustrisimo killer

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will enlarge a video frame taken from a security camera at the Cebu Provincial Capitol to identify the alleged killer of Councilor Rogelio Illustrisimo Sr.

A gunman was shown on video fleeing the scene after Illustrisimo was shot dead at the Capitol grounds on May 2.

Lawyer Reynaldo Esmeralda, NBI deputy director for regional operations service, said the footage might hold the key to the gunman’s identity.

"The CCTV posted outside of the Capitol reportedly caught on video the appearance of the gunman as he was fleeing from the crime scene," he said.

Regional Director Elfren Meneses Jr., Anti-Fraud and Computer Crimes Division chief, will bring the tape to the NBI head office on Taft Avenue, Manila, he added.

Esmeralda said the video has to be enlarged to get a clearer picture of the alleged killer because the footage was reportedly blurred.

"There is already an artist sketch of the suspect based on the description given by witnesses, but we still have to consult with RD Meneses since they have the technical capability to enlarge the video grab," he said.

Esmeralda said five NBI agents from Metro Manila headed by lawyer Jerry Abiera will arrive in Cebu today to conduct a parallel investigation.

Esmeralda, who was NBI chief in Cebu for two years, also flew to the province yesterday.

"I am hoping that some of my contacts are still there, and that they would be able to give me information that would help shed light in the investigation," he said. – Evelyn Macairan