POLICE identified the two persons of interest in the murder of Aireen Adolfo, a call center agent found dead in Barangay Pulangbato, Cebu City on Monday morning, July 10.
Sherwin Velasquez, 43, and Ramonito Tribunalo, 38, were arrested in a joint operation conducted by Cebu City Police Office and Talamban Police Station Tuesday, July 11.
Velasquez was arrested for drug possession while Tribunalo was arrested for illegal possession of bullets.
Cebu City Police Office Director Joel Doria said that Velasquez and Tribunalo are engaged in robbery and hold-up, and also drivers of habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) in Barangay Pit-os.
Velasquez, however, said that on the night of the incident, he was with his cousins in Mandaue Coliseum to watch a cockfight.
"Kuyog nako akong mga ig-agaw ato. Nauli na mi hapit ala una sa kadlawon (I was with my cousins that night. We went home almost 1 a.m.)," he said.
"Limpyo kaayo'g konsensya nako sir. Di ko kabuhat ana (My conscience is clear. I can't do that)," Velasquez added.
Velasquez, who was also Aireen's uncle, said that Aireen was a good person.
Tribunalo also said that he stayed in his home on the day of the incident.
"Naa ra ko sa amo Sabado hangtod Martes. Tan-awon lang nato sa CCTV kung tinood ba na (I was at home from Saturday until Tuesday. Let's check the CCTV to see if it's true)," he said.
Tribunalo added that he does not know Aireen at all.
Doria said it is too early to conclude if the crime was done by one person or more. (with Kevin A. Lagunda of SunStar Cebu)