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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Batangas cops identify gunman in Lobo ex-vice mayor killing

Batangas cops identify gunman in Lobo ex-vice mayor killing

Published Aug 23, 2022 03:09 pm

Investigators of the Batangas police have identified the gunman in the assassination of former Lobo vice mayor Romeo Sulit based on a background investigation after the motorcycle used as the getaway vehicle of the suspected killers was recovered.

Police Capt. Garry Abregunda, deputy chief of the Batangas Police Provincial Police Office-Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Unit, said the gunman was identified by an inmate who was among those who stole the motorcycle.

He identified him as Carl Jonathan Bustamante.

Sulit, who served as the vice mayor of Lobo town from 1998 to 2010, was gunned down while attending a birthday celebration in Barangay Tayuman in Lobo, Batangas on Aug. 11.

Abregunda said that after the motorcycle was recovered in Barangay Tayuman shortly after the attack, they immediately coordinated with the Land Transportation Office which resulted in the identification of the owner from Meycauyan, Bulacan.

But he said the motorcycle was stolen before the attack on Sulit and after coordination with the local police, they were able to locate one of the suspects who was among those who stole the motorcycle.

“We showed him the picture of the suspected gunman based on the cellphone video and the inmate positively identified that person,” said Abregunda, adding that it resulted in the identification of Bustamante.

Based on the initial investigation, Bustmante is a hitman who was hired to do a hit on Sulit.

“We are still conducting investigation to determine the motive,” said Abregunda.

The official said they are yet to file a case against the gunman but said follow-up operations are now ongoing.

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