Person of interest in Bulacan massacre shot dead

SAN JOSE DEL MONTE CITY, Bulacan — Another person of interest in the gruesome killing of five members of a family here last week was shot dead by still unidentified gunmen inside his residence yesterday morning.

Supt. Fitz Macariola, city police chief, in his report to Bulacan police provincial director Senior Superintendent Romeo Caramat Jr., identified the victim as Rosevelt Merano Sorema alias ‘Ponga.’

Initial investigation disclosed that two unidentified armed men, their faces concealed by masks and helmets, barged inside the house of Sorema and shot him several times.

Sorema is being eyed as one of the possible suspects in the massacre of members of the Carlos family.

Sorema was rushed to hospital but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Last Tuesday, a few hours before President Duterte and Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa visited the wake of the massacre victims here, Dapsy Daud, president of the homeowners association, said Rolando Pacinos alias “Inggo”, linked to the family five victims of massacre, was found dead under a tree at around 6:30 a.m.

A piece of cardboard left on top of the victim’s body bore a message claiming that he was a drug addict and rapist who should not be emulated.

Carmelino Ibañes, who confessed to the killings, pointed to Pacinos as one of his two accomplices.

Meanwhile, even the high heavens apparently wept yesterday as rains poured as the victims were brought to their final resting place at the Citrus public cemetery here yesterday morning.

Macariola said more than 2,000 people, including relatives sporting white headbands as sign of symphaty and belief that the victims will rest in peace and go to Heaven, attended the burial amid inclement weather.

Dexter Carlos Sr., a security guard and the husband, father and son in law of the victims, said he is still in shock.

“Hindi ko pa alam kung kailan ko malalampasan ang pangungulila sa pamilya ko. Ang hiling ko lang sa mahal na Pangulo ay kung sakaling maibalik ang death penalty ay unang sampolan ang mga gumawa nito sa aking pamilya,” Carlos said.