CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Provincial Police Office director Senior Superintendent Noel Gillamac advised the suspect in the killing of a barangay captain in Toledo City to surrender for his own security.
Gillamac said Dionesio Juarez, who remains at large, reportedly received information that the relatives of Timoteo Largo, the slain barangay captain of Cambang-ong, are already hunting him down.
Largo died after he was allegedly shot several times by Juarez last Tuesday.
Police investigation showed that Largo was driving his Ford Everest on his way home with his live-in partner Joely Baroman, 24, when, upon reaching the national highway in sitio Calubihan, Juarez blocked their way with his minivan.
The couple reportedly came from sitio Kawayan to inspect a site for an alternative access route.
Largo and Juarez reportedly engaged in a verbal argument before the shooting occurred. Eventually, Juarez pulled out an armalite rifle and allegedly shot Largo several times.
Juarez immediately fled towards a mountain barangay in the area after the incident. The police recovered his minivan that was abandoned in Barangay Camban-og.
Gillamac assured the security of Juarez when he submits himself to the authorities. Gillamac said they were informed that the suspect is willing to surrender.
The CPPO director has earlier directed the Provincial Intelligence Branch to assist the Toledo City police in the manhunt operation against the suspect.
He said they already have information about the possible whereabouts of Juarez.
Affidavits for the formal filing of criminal charges against the suspect are now being prepared by the police. CPPO is still gathering witnesses and pieces of evidence that would support the filing of a murder case.
Gillamac has said earlier that they were eyeing personal grudge and business as the possible motives behind the killing.
Cebu Provincial Board Member Grecilda Sanchez, on the other hand, did not discount the possibility that Largo’s death may be connected to his campaign against illegal drugs and illegal quarrying. (FREEMAN)