Evidence suggests rubout in Ozamiz gangmen’s slay

MANILA, Philippines - Pieces of evidence gathered so far by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on the killing of Ozamiz robbery gangleaders Ricky Cadavero and Wilfredo Panogalinga by the police point to a possible rubout, according to an official privy to the probe.

The official said forensic and other material evidence seem to corroborate the statement of the 16-year-old eyewitness who reportedly debunked police’s claim that an attempt to rescue Cadavero and Panogalinga triggered their deaths.

“If we will base it on the physical evidence alone, their (police’s) version (of ambush attempt by motorcycle-riding men and grappling of firearms by the two inmates) cannot be established,” said the official who refused to be named for lack of authority to speak on the case.

Cadavero and Panogalinga were killed on July 15 in San Pedro, Laguna in an alleged attempt by their gang members to rescue them.

Police said Cadavero and Panogalinga were killed by their escorts while attempting to grab their firearms in their bid to escape.

The official told The STAR that it would be impossible for the six police escorts of Cadavero and Panogalinga to survive the alleged attack by two men in motorcycles based on results of bullet trajectory tests.

“Isn’t it unusual that not a single policeman was hurt in the attack? Bullets are flying inside the van and yet no one was hurt. Do you really think that’s possible?” the official remarked.

Citing trajectory of the bullet holes found in the windshield, window and seats of the police van, the NBI official explained that at least two bullets could have directly hit or even killed the driver and the person in the passenger seat of the van.

“The person driving the van and the person in the passenger seat were both police officers. I am really wondering why they were not killed or hurt during the supposed attack if there really was an attack,” the source said.