With one of two gunmen already in custody and the alleged mastermind already identified, police stamped “Solved” on the Nov. 15 twin slaying aboard a passenger bus in Nueva Ecija.
In a belated disclosure, the police said the suspected hitman identified only as Allan was arrested on Nov. 20, just 5 days after the murders.
Meanwhile, Nueva Ecija acting police chief Col. Richard Caballero said they have filed double murder charges against Allan, the second gunman whose identity was also not revealed, and the suspected brains of the slaying identified as alias Tisoy, son of one of the victims.
Caballero provided details of the double murder plot, from the planning stage to the actual execution, and how the victim’s son and his live-in partner were implicated in the crime.
Philippine National Police spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo earlier said documents were being prepared for the filing of a complaint against the perpetrators, but refused to give further details about it.
“The papers and sworn statements of the relatives of the victims are just being completed,” Fajardo said.
“Anytime this week, we are preparing to file a case, As for the personalities, who are the ones to file the case, let’s wait to see who they are,” she added.
Caballero said in February 2023, the female victim’s son Tisoy and a live-in partner allegedly stole one of the victim’s cars. Then, in April 2023, the same suspects forcibly entered the victim’s house in Cauayan, Isabela, opened the vault, and allegedly took land titles and cash amounting to P2 million.
The mother immediately filed charges of robbery and carjacking against the suspects, resulting in the issuance of a warrant of arrest in September.
The two suspects posted bail in September, then planned the hit on his parent and her live-in partner.
In an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN, Allan admitted his involvement in the killings but asserted that Tisoy and a certain Umpak plotted the murders.
Allan said they were offered P60,000 for each victim’s death, adding that they received an initial payment of P20,000 from Tisoy.
The remorse-stricken suspect said he deeply regretted his actions and apologized to the victim’s family.
He also appealed to Umpak and Tisoy to surrender and face the consequences of their crime together.
The 60-year old female victim and her 55-year-old live-in partner were shot six times at close range by two unidentified men aboard a bus in Barangay Minuli in Carranglan town on Nov. 15.
Fajardo also assured the public that the one who filed the case was confident because the identities of the involved matched the result of the PNP investigation.
“But one thing I could assure you, whoever filed the case is very confident that they got the correct persons involved, including the two gunmen and the mastermind behind this incident.” Fajardo said.
Both victims died on the spot. After the shooting, the assailants ordered the driver to stop the bus, then they got off and fled.