Provincial Board commends Merida police station

THE Provincial Board members approved a resolution commending the Merida Police Station on their exemplary performance for their quick response in solving the shooting incident in said town which caused the death of Ruel Amabao.

Board Member Rolando Piamonte Sr., committee chair of public order and protective services, said that the Provincial Board referred to his committee the shooting incident that transpired last November 19, 2012 at Barangay Cabaliwan, Merida, Leyte that resulted to the death of Amabao and likewise wounded Wenito Orge.

Piamonte revealed that Amabao is an employee of the local government of Merida, while Orge is one of the aspiring municipal councilor candidates in the May 2013 polls.

According to him, the Provincial Board issued Resolution Number 2012-615 directing the Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO) to conduct an extensive investigation on the incident.

In compliance to this resolution, the LPPO directed the Merida Police Station to conduct the investigation at their level and furnish a report to the LPPO.

In a report submitted by Provincial Police Director Pio Manito dated January 3, 2013, it showed that the suspect, Edgardo Lato shot Amabao several times which killed Amabao, who was declared dead on arrival by his attending physician at the Ormoc District Hospital.

Orge, companion of Amabao, was hit by a stray bullet, it added. Orge was immediately brought to OSFA Medical Center.

Investigation also showed that the motive of the suspect was triggered by personal rift between the victim and the suspect.

Witnesses Jorge Anonat and Jorge Wenceslao confirmed that it was Lato who killed the victim. Lato then surrendered after negotiations with Merida Philippine National Police (PNP).

A murder case was filed in November 20, 2012 through inquest proceedings against the suspect before the Office of the Assistant Provincial Prosecutor of Ormoc City. (Leyte Samar Daily Express)