Suspects in Lapu-Lapu CH worker’s killing fall

CEBU, Philippines - The police arrested yesterday two men linked to the killing the other day of a Lapu-Lapu City hall worker in barangay Suba Basbas.

Arrested by men from the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office for the killing of Lapu-Lapu City Assessor’s Office worker Flora Amodia were her nephew fisherman Richard Amodia, 22, single, of Sitio Capiles of barangay Suba Basbas in Lapu-Lapu City and Mario Ariel Cullo alias “Jack Sparrow,” 42, married, who is also a fisherman, and a resident of the same sitio.

Lapu-Lapu City Police Office Director P/SSupt. Rey Lyndon Lawas said Richard Amodia was invited for questioning at the PNP headquarters and in the course of the interrogation Amodia admitted to committing the crime.

Richard Amodia told investigators that around 2:00 a.m. last Monday he went to his aunt’s house with the intention to rob and kill her, that’s why he carried a bolo.

He said he alone broke into the house at around 2:00 a.m. by detaching some jalousie blades.

He said he had been inside the house for more than two hours already searching for valuables when his aunt woke up and went directly to the kitchen where she washed dishes.

At this instance something told him to kill her, he said.

With his bolo, he struck her on the nape, sending her to the floor.

He said he immediately went to her bedroom and took pieces of jewelry, and then he left the house.

He told police he smoked marijuana before breaking into the house.

The police said Richard Amodia quit school after reaching grade five and was known to be an inveterate gambler.

Richard Amodia then had sought the help of friend Mario Ariel Cullo for the sale of the pieces of jewelry which consisted of a necklace, rings, a watch, and another ring with a diamond.

Cullo was arrested at his home.

Recovered from Richard Amodia were a bolo and short pants with blood stains. A watch belonging to the woman was found in Cullo’s possession.

SSupt. Lawas said the case is considered closed.

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza described Flora Amodia as a good person.

Radaza ordered the police to file a case against the perpetrators.

Charges are being readied against the two men who are now detained at the Lapu-Lapu City detention cell. (FREEMAN)