Police want access to Lontoc's cell phone, laptop

MANILA, Philippines – Police investigators are seeking access to the personal belongings of slain Philippine practical shooting team member Michael Lontoc, saying it could help solve his case.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Alan Purisima said they wanted to know the persons Lontoc’s last talked to in his cellular phone before his death in an ambush last Sept. 25 in Malabon.

Purisima said Lontoc's laptop and desktop computers are expected to reveal the business dealings of the victim.

“Our investigators from the Northern Police District (NPD) are closely coordinating with the family of Lontoc for the custody of his cell phone, laptop and computers that could in one way or another help solve his case,” said Purisima.

Purisima said he is also very interested in talking with Lontoc’s wife, Len.

“We heard a lot of reports with regards to the business dealings of Lontoc which only his wife could shed light. It is only proper that she closely work with us in giving justice to the death of her husband,” said Purisima.

Purisima said Lontoc’s wife is not in hiding but investigators from the NPD are having a hard time taking her statement, especially on the aspect of who might have wanted her husband dead.

Earlier, the victim’s family refused to cooperate fully in the police investigation of the shooting incident until Lontoc is buried.

Lontoc was laid to rest at the La Loma Cemetery last Sunday.

The NCRPO is also coordinating with the family of another shooter, who has reportedly gone into hiding so as not to suffer the fate of Lontoc.

 “There are lots of loopholes in this case which only the wife of Lontoc and the missing shooter could provide us,” said Purisima. “We are pushing hard to convince them to talk to gain inroads in our investigation of the case.”