US embassy alerted as Cuevas allows more time on police probe of alien's murder
Ongoing police investigation on Tuesday's grisly murder of American national Daniel Chabra will not be under any 'time-pressure.' In fact, Arevalo Police and crime scene probers are now given the leeway to exhaust all possible means in establishing events leading to the murder.
This, as no deadline was set by Chief Superintendent Isagani Cuevas, Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6) director.
And as a matter of procedure, Cuevas said, due notification was immediately made by PRO 6 to police higher-ups in Camp Crame. Also informed was the Directorate for Intelligence and Philippine National Police (PNP) foreign liaison office. Correspondingly, the United States Embassy in Manila was also informed of the incident.
Unconfirmed reports gathered by The News Today (TNT) bare though that an American passport supposedly owned by the victim did not match the records in the US Embassy.
"We want to avoid a hasty investigation... we will let them (referring to Arevalo Police) do this slowly but surely. And we do not want fall guys so no deadline for now to our Arevalo Police. Yet all efforts are being exerted to round up those responsible in the killing... For now what we can tell you is that there are at least two attackers," Chief Superintendent Cuevas said.
Chabra, TNT also learned has since been a regular visitor of the Philippines and Iloilo City in particular. In his 40s, Chabra rented a house by Villa Beach and said to have been here, on and off, for at least six years now.
"I have already directed the City Director to oversee the investigation," Chief Superintendent Cuevas added.
Asked whether additional help is needed particularly from US authorities, Cuevas said "all help are welcome."
"Yes we certainly welcome any help on the investigation but the actual conduct of police work should only be done by the Philippine police," he said.
Conflicting reports on the victim's marital status initially stated a supposed Ilongga wife who was in the Province of Antique at the time of Chabra's murder.
Is she part of those being investigated?
"Yes... everybody is a suspect," quipped Chief Superintendent Cuevas.
As of press time, investigators are looking into the identities of five male teens reported by neighbors to be in the company of Chabra the night of his murder.
His body bore at least twelve stab wounds when discovered Wednesday morning by concerned neighbors.