Cops release sketch of suspects in reporter’s ambush

Northern Police District (NPD) officials yesterday released an artist’s sketch of two of three suspects in the botched slay attempt on tabloid reporter Roger Panizal in Valenzuela City.

Superintendent Jimili Macaraeg, District Investigation and Intelligence Division (DIID) chief, described the gunman, Jorge Tabora de Jesus alias "Boy Demonyo," 40, allegedly a neighborhood toughie, resident of M. Santos street, Santolan, Malabon City, about 5’6" to 5’8" tall, medium-built and dark skinned.

The other suspect, who flagged down Panizal’s tricycle and set him up for the attack, was described as about 35 to 36 years old, 5’4" to 5’5" tall, medium-built and with a large belly.

The suspects, including a third male, who was seen with De Jesus shortly before the shooting and who probably acted as a lookout, remain at large.

Chief Superintendent Leopoldo Bataoil, NPD director, has given the NPD’s Task Force Usig under Senior Superintendent Constante Azares Jr. 72 hours to solve the case.

NPD intelligence operatives, in a follow-up operation, first raided the home of Tabora’s aunt, Erlinda Tabora on Jacinto street, Barangay Patubig, Marilao, Bulacan and at Baltazar street 10th Avenue, Caloocan, which however, yielded negative results.

Tabora was reported to have resided in several places with his family including Sangandaan in Caloocan City; Manila; Cavite and Sta. Maria in Bulacan.

NPD sources added that Tabora has several pending warrants for various offenses in different courts in Metro Manila.

Panizal, also known as "Ka Popoy" among media colleagues for his striking resemblance to the late insurgent leader Filemon "Ka Popoy" Lagman, moonlights as a tricycle driver in Barangay Panghulo, Malabon City, where he lives.

He was ambushed by the suspects at 5:30 a.m. last Monday upon reaching Sta. Juliana street in neighboring Malinta in Valenzuela City.

He sustained gunshot wounds in the hands and the right shoulder and a graze wound in the left ear after he tried to grab the assailant’s gun.

Motive for the shooting was traced to a row over parking some three weeks ago.

While still confined at the Valenzuela District Hospital, his doctors have pronounced him out of danger.

The hunt is on for the suspects 48 hours into the ordered deadline for their arrest. – With Pete Laude