Family of slain Fil-Am seeks thorough probe

The family of Michael Trinos, a visiting Filipino-American who was killed in an attempt to help a holdup victim in Las Piñas last week, has called for a thorough investigation of the incident.

Speaking for the rest of the family, Connie Trinos, the victim’s sister-in-law, also urged the American Embassy to help in the probe of the March 29 robbery-slay in front of a money changer shop along the Alabang-Zapote Road last March 29.

She said said they are still in shock over what happened to Michael, who was in the country to visit his ailing parents.

He arrived in Manila a few weeks ago and had been scheduled to leave next week.

"We still don’t know the truth about the case. We don’t know what happened exactly. The police should conduct a thorough investigation," Connie said in a phone interview.

Connie said they would also seek help from the US Embassy to conduct a separate investigation.

According to her, Michael’s body was flown to New York the other day.

Connie admitted that they are keeping the news of the shooting from the victim’s parents, who are in their 80s. Both have heart ailments.

"We told them that Michael died of a heart attack," she explained.

Michael, 59, from New York City, came to the aid of a woman whose bag was being snatched by armed robbers when he was shot dead.

The robbers, who were on board motorcycles and armed with caliber 45 and 9 mm pistols, also shot dead security guard Venerando Taguba in front of the MIJO Money Changer.

"Michael was waiting for my husband, Joel, when the incident happened," Connie said. "We didn’t expect he would get killed for doing something good."

Meanwhile, police admitted the lack of progress in their investigation.

"We don’t have a clear lead yet," said SPO2 Angelito Bato, who doubted claims by the Parañaque City police that the suspects in the killing of Trinos were the same men who pulled off a heist in Baclaran, where a businesswoman and her nephew were wounded.

Bato said they are conducting an independent investigation with operatives of the Southern Police District.

Parañaque City police chief Superintendent Ronald Estilles, on the other hand, stands by their theory that one group was reponsible for both robberies.

In both incidents, three motorcycle-riding suspects with caliber .45 pistols were involved. They shot their victims when they resisted or ran away.

Estilles said they have recovered a motorcycle (UV-3926) supposedly used in both heists.