Cops monitoring Ivler's hangouts

MANILA, Philippines - Police are monitoring the “night hangouts” of road rage murder suspect Jason Ivler in two areas outside Metro Manila, an official said yesterday.

Superintendent Lino Banaag, head of the Quezon City Police District-Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (QCPD-CIDU), said these hangouts are in Tagaytay City and Antipolo City, which Ivler is believed to have frequented.

Ivler is the subject of a manhunt after he allegedly shot Renato Victor Ebarle Jr. during a traffic altercation on the night of Nov. 18 at the corner of Santolan Road and Ortigas Avenue.

Apart from the murder charges for Ebarle’s death, Ivler was earlier charged with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide for the death of presidential adviser Nestor Ponce in a traffic accident in 2004.

He is also facing charges of grave threat for allegedly pointing his gun at complainant Manolito Cuya the night before Ebarle was shot.

Banaag said they have four teams from the QCPD-CIDU alone hunting for Ivler, who he believes is still in the country. Other police units and the National Bureau of Investigation have joined the manhunt. – Reinir Padua