NBI-8: Four witnesses aiding investigation into murder of Samar environment officer

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation-Region 8 has gained a breakthrough in its parallel investigation currently conducted on the killing of Pierre Gillo, Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO) in Sta. Rita town of Samar.

The 51-year-old Gillo was shot dead by two men outside his house at the V & G Subdivision in this city last Friday evening.

NBI-8 special investigator Cyruz Alusan said four eyewitnesses are now closely coordinating with the investigation and an artist's sketch of the gunman is now about to be completed to guide law enforcement agencies and the public that would lead to the arrest of those involved in the murder.

"With the witnesses, we (NBI-8) were able to get information on who were at the crime scene at the time and who were there before the killing," said Alusan.

Alusan however admitted that, at this stage, investigators are still considering that half of the possible angle as motive of the killing may have something to do with Gillo's work. The rest of the possibilities maybe personal grudge, he said.

"We are still gathering facts and pertinent information na puwede ma-consider natin na ito na ay isa sa mga motibo ng krimen," said Alusan.

It was learned that it was the DENR undersecretary who requested the NBI in Tacloban City to help the police in the investigation. The City Police has earlier created a task force with the exclusive job of proving the Gillo killing.

Alusan said: "We are more than willing and ready to provide the City Police all facts and evidences we gathered in the field. Parallel lang kasi kami and we are here to help each other to solve the case."

DENR-8 regional executive director Primitivo Galinato, in an exclusive interview with The Freeman, however was convinced that Gillo's killing has something to do with his work.

"That could be possible, because as you observe and notice in his office, there were a lot of confiscated and forfeited vehicles and lumber products allegedly from illegal sources. The DENR men even operate at night time kapag si Gillo ay may natatanggap na reports (about illegal activities)," Galinato said.

"I had already talked with Police Regional Office-8 director Chief Supt. Arnold Revilla who said that investigators already have a lead that is now being validated," said Galinato.