PNP orders full probe of killing of Northern Samar governor’s brother

Tacloban City (October 6) — Police Region 8 Director Mario Rupinta Sandiego has ordered his men to thoroughly investigate the killing of the brother of Northern Samar governor who was shot to death at about 4:30 in the afternoon on October 2, inside the Cockpit of Rosario town, about 20 kilometers west of Catarman.

This was learned from PSSupt. Manuel Cubillo, chief of Regional Police Community Relations, who said that the order was given by Director Sandiego upon learning about the killing on Friday afternoon.

Based on the spot report submitted by Police Senior Superintendent Eusebio Mejos, Northern Samar Provincial Director, on or about 4:30 in the afternoon of October 2, the victim identified as Manuel Daza y Aguila alias Manolo, 64 years old, businessman and co-owner of Rosario Cockpit Arena, a resident of Barangay San Agustin, Lavezares, Northern Samar, and a brother of Northern Samar Governor Raul A. Daza, was shot to death at Rosario Cockpit Arena at Barangay 3, San Lorenzo, Rosario, Northern, Samar.

The victim was allegedly sitting at the “Bidder Stand” when he was shot to death by unidentified suspects with the use of Caliber 45 and 9MM pistols inflicting fatal wounds on the back portion of his body and nape that caused his instantaneous death.

The suspects fled using the back door of the arena towards the hilly area of the municipality.

Immediately, elements of Rosario Police Station led by PSI Joy Leanza, chief of police, arrived at the crime scene, secured the area and coordinated with the Engineering company of the Philippine Army located at Barangay Guindautan to conduct hot pursuit operations.

Thereafter, one team from the Rosario CAA Detachment led by Sgt. Arnold Miranda arrived at the area and helped in the conduct of hot pursuit operation to track down the suspects.

Upon receipt of the information, PSSupt Mejos immediately directed the chief of police of San Jose Police Station, Police inspector Gilbert Lee Mendova to proceed to the area and conduct a checkpoint operation with the Regional Mobile Group personnel.

PSSupt. Mejos also dispatched the 807th Provincial Police Mobile Group personnel led by PCI Menandro Hayag, group director, as augmentation force together with the investigator of NSPPO to the crime scene; and called up the chief of Police of Levezares, PSI Gemmer Rubiera to immediately conduct checkpoints including the police chiefs of Allen, Bobon, Victoria and San Isidro for possible arrest of the suspects.

HE also informed the Provincial SOCO team led by PSI Gerardo Hermossila to proceed to the area, and called up higher office to inform the Regional Director about the incident.

Recovered from the crime scene by the SOCO team were three pieces empty shell of caliber pistol, two pieces empty shell of caliber 9MM and two pieces of slug for caliber 45 pistol.

It was learned that the victim was about to go home after a cockfight when a group of armed men wearing bonnets fired several gunshots at him.

The killing of Daza came about, barely 27 days when the younger brother of Vice Governor Antonio Lucero, Fr. Cecilio Lucero was ambushed by still unidentified armed described by witnesses as wearing bonnets. (PIA