THE Provincial Intelligence Branch will assist the Barili Police Station in investigating the robbery of former vice mayor Luisito Ponsica and the death of his wife Gina.

Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) Director Jesus Gaquing said he and Barili Police Chief Alexander Soledad paid a visit to Luisito at the hospital Thursday night.

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He said the PIB and the Barili police had a case conference to quickly solve the case.

Soledad, for his part, said Ponsica could not give a good description of the assailants, saying it was dark.

The couple lost P400,000 cash.

The robbers, Soledad said, were only after the money because other valuables such as their watches and jewelry were left behind.

Soledad added they could not be sure exactly how many persons were involved and hope that persons who knew something about the attack would come out and give them leads so they can go after the robbers.

For now, he said they have set aside the angle on politics or any personal grudges against the couple and are focusing on a robbery.

Police plan to investigate all of Ponsico’s workers and those close to them, because they are the ones familiar with the couple’s activities.

Soledad said it was possible the culprits were from other areas near Mantalongon, saying the barangay is bustling with activity and that many persons from neighboring towns are seen frequenting the village.

The couple withdrew money from Cebu City and was on their way home when they were robbed just outside their house. They were planning to go use the money to buy copras at the market fair the next day.