THE live-in partner of Angelica Montalvo is now considered one of the suspects on her death, a Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) official said Tuesday, February 9.

Police Major Joefer Puerto, chief of Police Station 8, said they are eyeing love triangle as a possible motive in the killing of Montalvo, 23, on February 3, and her live-in partner, Marc Carlson Espolon, is now part of their investigation.

He said Espolon, of Barangay Taculing, was married and had children.

Upon knowing that he was married, Montalvo tried to end their relationship and he was also involved when Montalvo figured in a car accident last year.

Investigation showed Montalvo along with her live-in partner, her aunt and cousin were about to park their vehicle in front of Medical Plaza, B.S Aquino Drive when an unidentified man got inside their car and declared holdup while pointing a .38 caliber on Montalvo's head.

Puerto said the gunman ordered them to drive the car going to Barangay Cabug, but when they reached the area along Oroland Subdivision in Barangay Tangub, the gunman fired his gun, hitting Montalvo's head.

The gunman then fled with his unidentified companion on board a motorcycle, who was waiting in the area.

The gunman carted away some cash and the cellular phone of Montalvo's live-in partner.

The gunman also punched the leg of Montalvo's aunt when she tried to look at the face of the perpetrator, hile Montalvo's live-in partner and her cousin were unhurt.

Puerto said it was well-planned and the gunman might be a hired killer.

He said the investigators are now coordinating with the family of the victim since Montalvo's mother already arrived from Manila.

He added that Espolon's cellular phone could no longer be reached and they are still conducting further investigation to determine the gunman's identity.