SITG RELUYA

Bullets match suspect’s gun

The Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) tasked to look into the ambush of San Fernando Mayor Lakambini Reluya has secured the results of the ballistic exams on the weapons of two suspects believed to be behind the shooting.

Senior Supt. Manuel Abrugena, Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) director, said that based on the results, the cross-match- ing conducted on the weapons owned by suspected gun-forhire Jerome Labitad matched the empty shells found in the ambush site in Barangay Linao, Talisay City.

Abrugena did not disclose how many of the 76 empty shells from an M16 rifle found in the crime scene matched Labitad’s weapon.

Labitad’s weapon was recovtogether ered after operatives of the Provincial Intelligence Branch conducted an operation in his house in Barangay Camp 4, Talisay City last month.

Abrugena said the results prove that Labitad’s weapon was used in the shooting of Reluya’s van, which resulted in the death of the mayor’s husband and two others.

With the results of the cross-matching now in their possession, they can proceed with the filing of charges against Labitad, fellow gun-for-hire Felix Abacajan Jr. and four others before the Talisay City Prosecutor’s Office within the week.

Police have yet to determine who was behind the ambush. Abrugena said they are hoping to capture Labitad and Abacajan alive to secure information from them on who hired them to shoot Reluya. /