Cops on the hunt for witnesses in Janiuay ambush
Thursday's ambush of two victims in Janiuay, Iloilo was a clear case of a well-hatched murder plan. Yet to date, the Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO) has yet to secure witnesses on the violent killing. In fact, for IPPO's top cop, Senior Superintendent Ricardo dela Paz, the lack of witnesses remains a concern. And this, he acknowledged, was primarily on to the gnawing fear of the locals who are afraid of getting the ire of those behind the crime.
The ambush killed 47 year-old Arthur Arnaiz, a former member of communist terrorist group New People's Army (NPA). Also killed was Estelita Maestrante with the duo fired upon along Barangay Sto. Tomas early Thursday morning.
Responding authorities believed the killings to have been perpetuated by elements of the Revolutionary Protelatian Army – Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB). The RPA-ABB is a splinter group of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
In a report, The News Today (TNT) gathered that probers were told of some 7 to 8 RPA-ABB men responsible of the fatal ambush.
Reached for update by Bombo Radyo Iloilo, Dela Paz disclosed that Arnaiz has since been marked for death following reports that he sold his RPA-ABB issued firearm.
All gunshot wounds sustained by the victims were fatal with the killings finished off by several rounds of shots fired at close range.
The RPA-ABB is currently subject of ongoing peace talks with the Philippine Government. In Western Visayas (WV), Assistant Secretary Raul Banias, WV Presidential Assistant heads the local peace talks committee.
Thursday's incident is not the first to be brought to the peace panel's attention with previous RPA-ABB incidents also reported as possible violation.