Raids in Metro, Cavite fail to find Jimenez

MANILA, Philippines - The National Capital Region Police Office has conducted raids in Metro Manila and several areas in Cavite but failed to find businessman Lope Jimenez and his co-accused in the brutal murder of Ruby Rose Barrameda-Jimenez.

NCRPO chief Director Roberto Rosales said his men raided Jimenez’s residence in Rosario, Cavite and several gasoline stations in Imus and Kawit and the market being constructed in Metro Manila and a subdivision being built also in Cavite.

In Jimenez’s residence in Rosario, the raiders headed by Superintendent Leo Francisco, head of the NCRPO’s regional police intelligence and operating unit (RPIOU) were met by a certain Eva Jimenez who guided them in the rooms and other areas which were searched.

Rosales expressed strong belief that Jimenez , who owns the Buena Suerte Jimenez Fishing and Trading Co., and his co-accused Eric Fernandez, Spyke Discalzo and Roberto Ponce are still in the country as they are subject to a hold departure order by the Bureau of Immigration. Two of their co-accused, Jimenez’s elder brother lawyer Manuel Jimenez Jr. and Manuel Montero are set to be arraigned for the Barrameda-Jimenez murder tomorrow. The elder Jimenez is presently confined at the Angono Medics Hospital while Montero, who participated in the killing but testified in favor of the family of Barrameda-Jimenez is under the custody of the NCRPO.

Judge Hector Almeyda, of the Malabon Regional Trial Court Branch 170 is set to resolve tomorrow whether the elder Jimenez be transferred to a government-run hospital or send him to the custodial center of the Philippine National Police in Camp Crame.