Painter’s killing a love triangle case - police
THE house painter who was earlier believed to be a victim of summary execution was found to have been killed because of a love triangle issue.
The Mandaue City Police Office-Investigation and Detective Management Branch (IDMB) caught three suspects who allegedly conspired in killing Armando Tuico, 43, in Sitio Ternate, Barangay Ibabao-Estancia last Tuesday morning.
SPO4 Marcos Noval Jr., investigator of IDMB, said they first caught Rogelio Catipay, 62, across the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral in Cebu City past 2 p.m. last Wednesday.
“It was an issue of love triangle. Lisa’s former live-in partner masterminded Tuico’s killing,” said Noval. Noval was referring to Lisa Singson, the live-in partner of Tuico.
Noval said his team conducted an entrapment operation against Catipay. He was Singson’s former live-in partner and was believed to be the mastermind of shooting Tuico.
During the entrapment, Singson contacted Catipay, who agreed to see her near the cathedral.
Noval said while Singson was waiting in front of the cathedral, Catipay was seen standing near a funeral parlor.
A police officer, in civilian outfit, approached Catipay and asked for the latter’s name. Catipay reportedly answered yes and confirmed to the police that he was going to meet Singson.
Noval said Catipay admitted to Singson that he was behind the killing of Tuico.
A few hours later, IDMB operatives also arrested Antonio Berondo, 37, on Molave Extension in Tabunok, Talisay City.
It was followed by the arrest of Melvin Gecale, 26, the suspected gunman, in his residence on Cabreros St. in Barangay San Nicolas, Cebu City.
Noval said Berondo allegedly gave the number of Gecale to Catipay. He said Berondo and Catipay are close friends. Gecale turned over the .38 revolver he allegedly used in killing Tuico to the police. Noval said Catipay and Ge- cale were identified by the witnesses.
Noval added they initially thought that Tuico was killed by vigilantes because he was previously detained in Mandaue City Jail for alleged involvement in illegal drugs.