GTK holds key to slay try probe

Unless Go Teng Kok shares everything he knows with the police, the recent failed attempt on his life could remain unsolved just like other cases involving high-profile personalities.

"Mr. Go holds the key," said Filomeno "Boy" Codiñera, the former baseball association president and a decorated Manila policeman, regarding the attack against the controversial sportsman last Tuesday.

Codiñera, who has handled and solved similar cases in the past, said sensitive cases like this are handled with utmost care and requires full cooperation from the victims.

"But if Mr. Go would try to keep things to himself, then the police will grope in the dark. Mangangapa sila dito," said Codiñera, adding that before the investigation takes off, the motive behind the assassination attempt must first be established.

"That’s basic. And if you’d ask me, I’d rule out sports as the reason behind the attack. I-rule out mo na din ang babae. So the most logical theory here is business. What kind of business, ‘yan ang hindi natin alam," he said.

The 58-year-old Go, president of the Philippine Amateur Track and Field Association since 1992, has run into a string of controversies and squabbles with fellow sports officials in his bid to help solve various problems involving national athletes.

"Pero hanggang sports lang ang mga away na ‘yan. I can’t think of any sports official, past or present, na mag-uutos ipapatay si Mr. Go," Codiñera observed.

"But if Mr. Go would insist that this case is related to sports as reported, then the police will soon ask him to name names. Paano kung wala siyang maibigay na pangalan? Babalik din sa ibang anggulo ang imbestigasyon," he said.

Go has also been involved with controversies outside sports, from his alleged links to different crime sydicates to his close ties with a convicted drug queen. Go also helps run his family’s businesses and operates a small restaurant and KTV bar in Malate.

In a radio interview yesterday, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) chief Director Anselmo Avenido said no data exists on Go’s alleged links to illegal drugs except for media reports about his relationship with the drug queen.

"One thing is clear here. There’s a person or a group of persons that wants him dead. Baka may atraso siya, hindi natin alam. At kung mayroon man, alam ni Mr. Go kung kanino siya may atraso. Those who want him dead, gumastos dito."

Codiñera said to hire a killer for a project against a high-profile personality like Go could cost P100,000 or even much more.

"Can you just imagine the gravity of the motive? O kaya kung magkano ang atraso? At pinag-aralan siya. He was cased," said Codiñera, referring to the fact that the gunman, despite the heavy tint on Go’s vehicle, knew exactly where to pump the two bullets that hit him in the cheek.

"Alam na siya ang nag-mamaneho. Alam na wala siyang bodyguard. Alam kung anong oras ang dating niya sa opisina. Kaya kahit madilim ang tint, alam kung saan ipuputok," said Codiñera, who also considers Go a dear friend.

The baseball great said putting up a cash reward for any information leading to the solution of the case, like the P200,000 offered by Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, will certainly help.

"When money talks, everbody listens," he said.

Codiñera said it was a miracle for Go to survive the bullet wounds on his face, but suggested that the Chinese sports official rehire a bodyguard or bodyguards once he gets out of the hospital and resumes his duties in and out of sports.

"Mahirap na dahil maaaring balikan pa siya. Nasimulan na, eh. Pero hindi puwedeng isa lang na driver-bodyguard. Mahihirapan din ‘yan maka-react ng mabilis under the same situation. Kung ako ang tatanungin mo, kailangan may back-up vehicle.

"Dapat may mata ka sa likod," said Codiñera.