The Cebu City Police Office is building a case against the suspected mastermind in the killing of Leo Leaño, whose body was found in Barangay Sudlon 1 on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, while investigators gather more evidence and examine a land dispute as a possible motive.
Police have identified four suspects—alleged leader Ritchie Batican Calunsag, alleged driver Eleazar Nace, alleged gunman John Elvis Catantan Gutobat, and a man known only as Shaun—with Calunsag, Nace, and Gutobat arrested on Sept. 5 and Sept. 6, while Shaun remains at large.
The Police Regional Office 7 honored officers from the Cebu City Police Office and Cebu Police Provincial Office with the Medalya ng Kagalingan and Medalya ng Papuri during a flag-raising ceremony on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, for their work in the investigation and arrests.
THE Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) is building a case against the mastermind in the killing of Leo Leaño, whose body was found in Barangay Sudlon 1, Cebu City, on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026.
Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare, deputy city director for operations, said investigators have a lead on who ordered the killing but are gathering more evidence before filing a complaint.
Leaño’s wife and children have signed documents supporting the filing of a complaint and provided information that could help the investigation, Pelare said.
Pelare said investigators want to establish a strong case before taking legal action against the suspected mastermind.
“We just need to thoroughly build the case so we do not rush it and can be sure that the case we file is airtight,” Pelare said in a mix of Cebuano and English.
Police have identified four suspects in the killing: Ritchie Batican Calunsag, the group’s alleged leader; Eleazar Nace, 49, the alleged driver; John Elvis Catantan Gutobat, 31, an e-bike driver whom police identified as the alleged gunman; and a man known only as Shaun.
Pelare described the group as hired killers, citing statements from suspects in police custody. He said the statements indicated they had been involved in similar activities before.
Land dispute
Police are investigating a land dispute as a possible motive for the killing. Pelare said the information came from Gutobat and was corroborated by Leaño’s family.
Shaun remains at large. Pelare said police are monitoring his movements as they continue efforts to locate him.
Calunsag and Nace were arrested on Saturday, Sept. 5, while Gutobat was arrested on Sunday, Sept. 6, according to Police Regional Office (PRO) 7.
PRO 7 credited the CCPO and Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) with the investigation, coordination and follow-up operations that led to the arrests.
Recognition
Meanwhile, the PRO 7 honored police officers from CCPO and CPPO during its flag-raising ceremony on Monday, Sept. 7, for their work in the investigation and arrests.
National Police Commission Commissioner Alvin Mojica and PRO 7 Director Brig. Gen. Arnold Abad presented the awards.
The Medalya ng Kagalingan (Medal of Merit) was awarded to Col. Ricky Sumalde, CCPO acting director; Pelare; and Capt. Jurry Papasin, chief of the Malubog Police Station.
The Medalya ng Papuri (Commendation Medal) was awarded to Col. Lourdeliza Cejes of the Regional Forensic Unit; Lt. Col. Narciso Abapo; Lt. Col. Eunil Avergonzado; Lt. Col. John Kareen Escober of the Consolacion Municipal Police Station; Maj. Rannel Gadiano; and Capt. Blesyl May Gadiano for their support in the investigation.
Abad said the PRO 7 had tightened security with the start of the “ber” months while recognizing personnel for their accomplishments.
“As we enter the ‘ber’ months, we remain focused on keeping our communities safe and secure. These awards remind us that every police officer has a role to play and every good performance makes a difference in protecting our people,” Abad said.
He said they will increase police visibility, improve response and strengthen coordination with other agencies and communities as activities increase during the holiday season. / AYB
