By Calvin Cordova
CEBU CITY — A 69-year-old woman was believed to have been robbed and killed before her body was stuffed inside a refrigerator in an abandoned warehouse in Barangay Tabunok, Talisay City, southern Cebu.
(COMMONS WIKIMEDIA/ MANILA BULLETIN)
Victoria Loa had been reported missing since November 1 by relatives before her body was found last Saturday afternoon.
One of the three men suspected to be behind the killing was arrested Sunday.
Jay-r Banilad was arrested in his house in Barangay Tigbao, Badian town, Cebu.
Supt. Marlu Conag, chief of the Talisay City Police Office, said Banilad admitted his participation in the crime.
“He said they had a drinking session when they planned how to carry out the crime,” said Conag.
Before the arrest, the police theorized that robbery was the motive in the killing since a vault that had been destroyed was found in the warehouse.
Police said cash and jewelry were also reported missing from the victim’s house.
A .45 caliber pistol was recovered from the suspect’s possession, Conag said.
The man’s alleged cohorts identified as Johnny Duarme and Jeffre Duarme remain at large.
Conag said an informant led them to the whereabouts of the suspect.
Police had to walk a kilometer from the highway before reaching the suspect’s house located in a hilly area in Barangay Tigbao, said Conag.
Conag said they were still awaiting the result of the autopsy to determine the injuries that the victim sustained causing her death.