AN OFFICIAL of the Caraga police said on Tuesday, April 23, a heated argument has led to the killing of DxJM radio anchor Francis Patindol along Narra Road, Barangay New Society, Butuan City on Black Saturday, April 20, and ruled out “work-related angle” as possible motive.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Christian Rafols II, Caraga police spokesperson, said the suspect identified as Ulating Barapangcat alias Ola Saransamen was among the “dispatchers” who were having a drinking spree when Patindol, a native of Cagayan de Oro, suddenly butted in on their conversation.
Rafols said the suspect stabbed Patindol to death after the latter was said to have interrupted the group’s small talk about the jeepney modernization.
“Naay nag-inom nga mga dispatcher sa jeep nga nag-istorya about modernization sa jeep unya nisabat daw ni si Patindol nga ingon 'dili namo magdugay diha kay ilisan namo og bag-o nga sakyanan,’ hangtod nga naglagot ang suspect,” Rafols said.
“Paglakaw ni Patindol paingon sa Alba Copy Center nga diha ra tungod dapit sa nag-inom nga suspect didto na siya gidunggab,” he added.
Patindol sustained a lone stab wound on his chest. He was brought to a nearby hospital but was declared dead about two hours later.
Investigators have secured a copy of a footage of the security camera and statements of the witnesses including the suspect’s companions.
Rafols also said Caraga police director Brigadier General Gilberto DC Cruz has offered P50,000 as reward for anyone who could tip the police on the whereabouts of the suspect.
“Personal gyud ni nga kwarta ni RD (regional director) para kinsa tong makahatag information kung aha nagtago ang suspect kay duol sa kasing-kasing niya ang media ug gusto niya nga masulbad dayon ang krimen,” Rafols said.
Cruz has already ordered the Butuan City Police Office (BCPO) to conduct intensive manhunt operation to bring the suspect to justice.
A Special Investigation Task Group was immediately activated led by Lieutenant Colonel Glenn Sampaga, BCPO Deputy City Director for Operations.
“We already identified witnesses and a case of murder will be filed against the suspect who is now subject for manhunt operation. We are using all available resources to track down the suspect to give justice to the victim and his family,” Cruz said.