BALANGA CITY, Bataan—Prosecutor Oscar Lasama on Monday ordered the release of the suspected gunman in the January 8 killing of tabloid reporter Nerlie Ledesma from police custody for further investigation.
He said the evidence submitted against Inocencio De La Cruz Bendo alias “Banjo” was insufficient.
But Lasam ordered the detention of Juan Fulo, 46, alias “Boboy”, the alleged motorcycle driver who fled with Bendo after the shooting of Ledesma in Barangay Tuyo.
Chief Supt. Ronald Santos, acting provincial police chief, said he ordered the Special Investigation Task Group (STIG) Ledesma to have solid evidence for next week’s preliminary investigation.
“The witnesses failed to testify although they have already executed statement naming the suspects. Evidence against the suspects will be produced in 15 days,” he told a press conference.
STIG innvestigators have theorized the killing on three possible motives: Her press coverage, residential community issues or property dispute.
Ledesma was reportedly president of the Tagnai Homeowners Association in Barangay San Rafael.
Records showed that she was waiting for a ride to the Capitol when she was shot dead on the spot by two attackers on a motorcycle.
Detained suspect Fulo, a barangay tanod, was arrested during follow-up operations in Balanga City with a licensed caliber .45 pistol but whose permit to carry outside of residence had expired two years ago.
He was arrested for alleged murder attempt of Tagnai officer Pedlejandro Payumo, 62, of Phase I.