Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos Jr. ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to enforce stricter security measures in the checkpoints and borders of Lamitan City, Basilan following the killing of the father of Dr. Chao-Tiao Yumol, the principal suspect in the Ateneo shooting on July 24.
“I have ordered the PNP to tighten existing checkpoints in Lamitan City, including its borders to prevent the culprits in the Yumol slaying from escaping,” Abalos said.
Despite the slaying of the elder Yumol, Abalos maintained that the PNP “is on top of the situation and all police units in Basilan have been directed to maintain peace and order in the island province.’’
Yumol is facing multiple murder charges for the fatal shooting former Lamitan City Mayor Rose Furigay, her executive assistant Victor Capistrano and Ateneo security guard Jeneven Bandiala.
The ex-mayor’s daughter Hanna, who was supposed to attend her law graduation rites in the university was wounded in the shooting incident.
“Ronaldo Yumol’s case is still being investigated and we will wait for the results of the investigation. So I ask the public to refrain from making assumptions about the case,” Abalos said.
Yumol's father Rolando, a retired policeman, died after two unidentified gunmen repeatedly shot him outside his residence in Lamitan, Basilan in the morning of July 29.
Police reports said Yumol was outside his home when two unknown suspects approached the victim and shot him several times.
Elements of the PNP - Special Action Force (SAF) and the Lamitan City Police Station were immediately dispatched to the crime scene.
Yumol, a retired police master sergeant, was declared dead on arrival by the attending doctor at the Lamitan District Hospital.
Three empty shells from a Caliber .45 pistol were recovered from the crime scene.
“I call on the public to cooperate with police investigators. If anyone has any information that may help the PNP solve the case, I ask you to please come forward,” said Abalos. (Chito A. Chavez)