Murder charges filed in shooting 77-year-old woman in Leyte

BRIGADIER General Rommel Franciso Marbil, director of Police Regional Office-Eastern Visayas (PRO8), lauded the filing of murder and attempted murder charges against the suspects for the killing of a 77-year-old retired municipal administrator and sister of San Isidro town mayor in Leyte.

"I am glad that these suspects are now facing criminal charges. With that, the families and friends of Veloso will be at peace knowing that the suspects of the death of Veloso will be brought to justice," Marbil said.

The Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) JB Veloso formally filed the cases at the Leyte Provincial Prosecutor on January 18, 2023.

In the information released by the police regional command, the suspects were determined through an “in-depth investigation by the SITG JB Veloso supported with a recovered CCTV footage, sufficient information and proper coordination with other law enforcement units.”

Colonel Edwin Balles, director of Leyte Police Provincial Office, identified the suspects as James Damayo, Archie Cosinillo Fernando, both of legal age and residents of Tabango, Leyte, and two other John Does.

"I commend the efforts and dedication of our police operatives in making an effective case-build up against the suspects,” added Balles.

“The cooperation of the members of the community as well as the witnesses, supported by the CCTV footage recovered in the course of the investigation, played a vital role in the effective information gathering which eventually led to the successful filing of criminal charges,” the police provincial office said in a statement.

Veloso was shot to death along the national highway of Barangay Libongao, Kananga, Leyte on December 21, 2022.

She was on her way home from Ormoc City together with her driver and one companion when the suspects fired at them on board a gray pick-up vehicle. (SunStar Philippines)