Thursday, August 09, 2007 Still no witnesses to murders in city By Carlo P. Mallo
EIGHT murders reported in the first two days of the week alone, and the police have yet to handle each investigation with a blank wall due to the absence of witnesses who admit seeing the killers or give a good description of the murderers.
"One problem in the investigation process is the absence of witnesses, no one would want to testify for fear that the perpetrators might turn on them," said Chief Inspector Querubin Manalang, Southern Mindanao police spokesman, in an interview Wednesday as he asked the public anew to cooperate with police investigation to help put a stop to these killings.
According to Manalang, they just cannot pick anyone on the streets and point an accusing finger without gathering data and evidence that could pin down the suspect. Testimonies of witnesses are important in pinpointing the killers.
Manalang, meanwhile, denied public perception that the summary execution of known criminals is the handiwork of the police, insisting they are bound to follow due process.
"We have to let justice prevail and not put it in our hands," Manalang said.
Last Monday, five persons were murdered, three of whom were minors. The victims were identified as Randy Timosa Ferrer, who was shot dead; 17-year-old Greg Cabahug Ungab, who was stabbed to death; Alexander Mangala, 19, and an alleged member of the Kamandag Gang; 16-year-old JR Gonzales and one John Joseph Evangelio, 17, who were stabbed to death.
Last Tuesday, three murders took place in Toril, Matina Aplaya, and in Agdao. Two of the murder victims remain unidentified while the third one was identified as Samuel Polbos.
