'Sheriff's killers are local thugs,' CIDG chief says
Hired killers of slain sheriff Johnny Tugado are local thugs and most likely are residents of Western Visayas. And the liquidation plot could have been "compartmentalized" too that could back the professed innocence of one suspect on the identity of the mastermind.
Such were the observations made by Senior Superintendent Renato Gumban, Regional Director of the 6th Criminal Investigaton and Detection Group (CIDG) following the parallel probe made on the Tugado slay.
CIDG and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) are tasked to conduct joint investigation on the brutal killing of Tugado.
In a phone interview yesterday, the CIDG regional chief said validation is underway to ascertain the veracity of numerous tips and information regarding the daring hit. Asked for specifics, Senior Supt. Gumban said "names" are being checked as he went on to identify three possible motives.
The CIDG from its end are looking into major tasks then handled by the slain sheriff namely the demolition of the old airport in Mandurriao, a dispute involving a farm and another case in Januiay.
"As soon as we get to validate the leads and information from other intelligence units, I will request a case conference," he assured. For now the CIDG awaits results of the ballistic examination conducted on the recovered empty shells.
The News Today (TNT) further gathered that a number of persons are set to be invited for questioning by the CIDG. Senior Supt. Gumban offered no further details nor was it clear what formed part the CIDG's decision to issue the "invitation."
Senior Supt. Gumban decided not to set a deadline on the Tugado slay-case saying the CIDG probe is dependent on the evidence gathered.