Sunday, November 12, 2006
Politician's bodyguard slain in Digos
A BODYGUARD of Davao del Sur 1st District Congressman Douglas Cagas was shot dead by five gunmen in Digos City, Friday evening.
Three of the five suspects were slain in a shootout with the police.
Digos City Police Chief Caesar Cabuhat said 30-year-old Rico Condino, alias Tisoy, resident of Lapu-Lapu Extension, Digos City, succumbed to 14 shot wounds.
Cabuhat said the victim together with his live-in partner, Nancy Salinas, 28, has just finished dinner around 8:50 p.m. at the Vin Cruz barbecue along Rizal Avenue. They were making their way to their parked motorcycle when three men appeared and shot the victim while the other two stood as back-up.
The suspects then sped off onboard two motorcycles towards Lim Extension while the live-in partner hid herself for fear.
Police deployed in the checkpoint corner of Rizal Avenue and Lim Extension, headed by Police Inspector Editho Mande, pursued the suspects.
The three suspects identified as alias Haron, alias Poloy, and alias Ivy were shot dead.
Two .45 caliber pistols and bonnet were recovered from the dead suspects.
The body of Ivy was reportedly claimed from Angel Funeral in Digos City by an unidentified person who called up the funeral home.
The suspects' motorcycle was found to be registered at the Land Transportation Office under the name of Antonio Helaris, resident of Apha Homes, Matina, Davao City.
Two cellphones were also recovered from the suspects, which the police say, might help speed up the investigation of the case.
The directory contained an entry named "COPA," which the police suspects to be the mastermind of the said killing.
The two other suspects were able to elude arrest.
Police received unconfirmed report that "COPA," is a retired police official.
However, police said they do not discount the possibility that the killing might be politically motivated because the victim is said to be a politician's bodyguard.
Cagas has yet to make a statement about the murder of his bodyguard. (RCO/NC)For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star General Santos. (November 12, 2006 issue)
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