Cops on Lim ambush: Victims needed for probe to prosper

CEBU, Philippines — The police can only do so much if victims of crimes will not cooperate.

This was the statement of Supt. Ryan Devaras, chief of the Investigation and Detective Management Branch (IDMB) of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) as authorities continue to wait for businessman Wellington Lim, the supposed target of an ambush last week, to come forward.

Wellington is the brother of controversial businessman Peter Lim.

“The victims are the best information kasi sila mismo ang nakakita sa pangyayari,” Devaras said.

So far, only Lim’s spokesperson, Dioscoro “Jun” Fuentes, Jr. has spoken to the media and confirmed it was Lim, his friend, and driver, who were inside the Ford Expedition that was peppered with bullets outside the New Cebu Infinity KTV and Music Lounge in Cebu City.

But Devaras said Fuentes’ statement remains hearsay.

“Mahulog man gud na nga hearsay kay gipaagi nila sa newspaper. We need them to come to CCPO for them to make a statement of what really happened and, until now, wala mi kahibawo kinsa gyud ang victim,” Devaras said.

“That’s why nga nakig-coordinate mi nila para ma-identify ang suspects, naa ba’y threats sa ilaha… didto ta magsugod, maghatag og clues… on the other hand, sigi ta og hot pursuit,” Devaras said.

Initial investigation revealed that the suspects used high-powered firearms. Wellington’s bullet-riddled car then sped-off to I.T Park in Barangay Lahug.

Unfortunately, the attack killed the security guard manning the bar’s parking area and wounded three others.

Devaras said they do not know if Wellington is still in Cebu City, considering reports he was sighted boarding a flight for Hong Kong.

“Wala koy nadawat nga info… allegedly daw pero dili pa nko ma-confirm,” Devaras said.

“Actually, we don’t know really who is inside the Ford, kung si Wellington ba, that’s why kung nilakaw siya, of course, the investigation will stall. Dili na nato siya ma-imbestigar, dili na nato siya mapangutana kung siya ba gyud ang naa ngadto,” Devaras said.

Fuentes, in a text message to The FREEMAN, said he cannot confirm Lim’s reported departure.

He said they await papers from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to determine the ownership of the Ford Expedition.

“Lahat naman ng angles ay ating tinitingnan sa suspects that’s why ang atong mga investigators naa sa area,” Devaras said. — /JMO (FREEMAN)