Cops clueless on Go’s killers

CEBU, Philippines — Police investigators are still facing a blank wall in their investigation on the murder of Filipino-Chinese businessman Gary Go.

Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) director Sr. Supt. Manuel Abrugena, however, said they are looking into Go’s alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade as possible motive.

The police considered Go as "high-value target". He was shot dead by still unidentified gunmen in Barangay Poblacion, Cordova Tuesday morning.

"We are looking into possibilities of his involvement on illegal drugs. But as of now walang identified na personalities sa pagpatay," Abrugena said.

Go, who is said to be a cousin of a Cebuano businessman tagged by President Rodrigo Duterte sa drug lord, was arrested in Quezon City in 2015 for transporting 45 kilos of illegal drugs. Initial information received by the Police Regional Office-7 shows that Go was allowed to post bail.

Abrugena, however, said they are still conducting further investigation to find out how he was able to go out from prison despite the P225 million worth of drugs seized from him.

"Isa rin sa tinitingnan why he was able to post bail. Hindi maalis na during the conduct of investigation kapag isi-nubmit na namin yung charges sa prosecution may nakikita ang ating fiscal na circumstances na pwedeng pumabor sa kanya, and we are looking into that,” Abrugena said.

Abrugena said they are also checking information that Go was a cousin of businessman  Peter Lim.

"Ini-establish pa rin namin kasi walang matibay na ebidensya that will prove this person is related kay Peter Lim and Steve Go. Hindi ma establish ang place of residence. Kasi nag stay siya sa Manila," Abrugena said.

Abrugena added that they are giving the family time to mourn before they would start questioning them on his activities.

"State of mourning ang family yung kalungkutan ng family is still there kapag panahon na mag die down ang emotional effect then we will actively investigate," he said. — FPL (FREEMAN)