Richard King buried

CEBU -- Businessman Richard King was buried on Wednesday in the Cempark Cemetery in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City, after a cortege that stopped briefly in front of King’s imposing tower near Fuente Osmeña.

A week after King was shot dead in Davao, the police still have to track down the assailant.

Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Director Noli Romana also confirmed that a member of King’s family has received a death threat through text, but this will have to be checked further.

“Mahirap na kasi baka nakiride-on lang sa issue ang mga taong nagpadala nito (It’s also possible that some people are just riding on this issue),” said Romana.

Romana learned about the threat last Tuesday night when he visited the wake of the businessman, who used to run the Crown Regency chain of hotels.

“They (the King family) mentioned that they received a threat and they are consulting us if they need security,” said Romana.

“Just to be safe, we will put up security and we should validate the threat,” he added.

King, chief executive officer of J. King and Sons Co. Inc., was at a dinner function last June 12 inside the Vital-C Health Products Inc. building in Barrio Obrero, Davao City, when a man approached and shot him.

Davao City Police Director Vicente Danao Jr. said they are tracing some personalities who may be behind King’s death but declined to give further information.

The family bids goodbye to businessman Richard King in the Cempark Cemetery in Banilad, Cebu City. “I assure you that your legacy will be continued,” a younger brother, John, said during the memorial service. (Ruel Rosello of Sun.Star Cebu)

A sketch of the suspect’s appearance was released last Tuesday, with the confirmation that a reward of P1.3 million awaits those who can give information that will lead to the gunman’s arrest.

The police also assured the safety of witnesses who can give information on the suspect’s whereabouts.

Edward Tan, the family’s spokesperson, said they were pleased with the investigation and assured they will continue to cooperate with the police.

During the service on Wednesday, Richard’s daughter, Ritchel, described her father as someone who was very protective.

“He may have shown his affection differently but he had a soft heart for his family,” she said.

Richard’s younger brother, John, said the businessman was an exceptional visionary. “I assure you that your legacy will be continued,” he added.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama attended the requiem at 8 a.m.

A convoy of around 100 private cars and passenger buses joined the funeral procession at 10 a.m. It took nearly an hour for the group to reach Cempark in Banilad from St. Peter’s Chapel on Imus Road, where the wake was held.

From Imus, the procession headed to P. del Rosario St. and made a right turn to Osmeña Blvd. It stopped briefly in front of the Crown Regency Hotel and Towers, the most visible reminder of King’s work.

About three and a half hours after the requiem began, Richard King was buried at 11:30 a.m.

Red and white ribbons were given during the funeral procession. The white ones were buried along with King, while the red ribbons were kept, supposedly for good luck. (JTR/Sun.Star Cebu)

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