Most wanted man tagged in broadcaster's slay try

ILOILO CITY ,Philippines  — Police named Iloilo province’s most wanted person as one of the suspects behind the slay attempt on radio blocktime host Fernando “Kapid” Gabio Friday morning.

Senior Supt. Marietto Valerio, City Police director, said two witnesses, both Gabio’s nephews and personal security, pointed to Eliseo Mabayag, alleged leader of the notorious Magkal Group, as the man who tailed them in three occasions a few weeks before the shooting.

Valerio said both witnesses did not know Mabayag by name but were familiar of the latter’s face only.

Senior Inspector Stephen Somosot, Jaro police chief, initially called one of Gabio’s nephews who, through the police rogue’s gallery, pointed to Mabayag as the man who followed them last February 6, 8, and 10.

Somosot later invited Gabio’s other nephew who, from a bunch of photos presented, also pointed to Mabayag as the person who they saw tailing them on board the same motorcycle of the gunmen who shot their uncle.

Valerio admitted though there are no other evidences, for now, that could directly link Mabayag to the assassination try. The identities of the other two suspects, the motorcycle driver and a look-out, are yet to be known pending the conduct of further investigation.

Since police established that the suspects could be members of gun-for-hire, it could also be surmised that someone wanted to silence Gabio.

The police however said they have yet to determine the identity of the mastermind in the slay attempt on the broadcaster.

Chief Supt. Cipriano Querol, Jr., Police Regional Office-6 director, said Mabayag has pending cases filed in Iloilo City for theft, frustrated murder with the use of unlicensed firearm, and attempted murder also with the use of unlicensed firearm filed in Iloilo City.

In Iloilo province, charges for murder, robbery, and frustrated murder with the use of unlicensed gun were also filed against him, said Querol.

Yesterday morning, Querol visited Gabio at the hospital and offered to give him two police escorts, one of whom will be the latter’s nephew, PO1 Manuel Gabio. The police official further appealed to the victim for cooperation while investigation of the incident is going on.