3 Rizal property caretakers probed for colleague’s slay

Three property caretakers, including a former Army Scout Ranger, who were earlier arrested for alleged illegal possession of firearms, are now being investigated for murder after National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents discovered the grave of their missing co-worker, who was killed and burned last Good Friday.

Noel Morales, executive officer of the NBI-Counter Intelligence Division (CID), said they filed charges for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition against Diosdado Velo, 56, a former Army lieutenant, and his two assistants, Jose Sawsa and Jose Condesa, before the Rizal provincial prosecutor’s office.

The three were arrested in Amityville Subdivision in E. Rodriguez (formerly Montalban), Rizal last May 2. They were employed as caretakers of the subdivision to keep out squatters.

Morales said they are investigating if the three were behind the killing of their fellow caretaker, Herminio Drapeza, 49.

There were reports that Velo allegedly shot Drapeza and ordered the two other suspects "to carry, burn and bury (his) body," Morales said.

The three were arrested after people residing near the Amity Subdivision filed a complaint with the NBI-CID that Velo owned several firearms and that he was often seen brandishing and firing them.

The NBI-CID, in turn, conducted a surveillance operation in the area and also verified with the Philippine National Police-Firearms Ordnance Division that Velo had no gun licenses.

They also learned that Velo had a standing arrest warrant for rape.

Seized from the suspects’ barracks were a caliber .38 revolver, a grenade, and a jungle bolo.

During their surveillance, the NBI-CID learned that Drapeza had been missing since April 6 and that he was last seen in the company of the suspects.