ILOILO CITY – A follow-up operation against the killers of a waiter here on Wednesday, July 12, became an anti-drug operation when police seized shabu worth P578,000 from the suspects.
Police Col. Antonio Benitez Jr., chief intelligence officer of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), identified the suspects as 24-year-old Jesus “Kimoy” Gecaraya, 58-year-old Julius Inesoria, 32-year-old Jurex “Jojo” Amoroso, 30-year-old Johnley “Toto” Cadiz, 20-year-old Rene John Inesoria, 52-year-old Maila Inesoria, and 42-year-old John Mendez.
An eighth suspect, Ricardo “Rex” Amoroso, initially eluded arrest. But he surrendered late Wednesday afternoon to authorities.
Benitez said they were initially only after the riding-and-tandem suspects who shot and killed Alejandro Panes Jr. on Tuesday, July 11, in Molo District.
Seized from them were 18 sachets of suspected shabu.
The suspects also yielded two .45 caliber pistols, ammunition, and a grenade.
Benitez said they are still investigating their roles in the murder of Panes.
Police Major Shella Mae Sangrines, ICPO spokesperson, said that Rex has been identified as the gunman in the murder of Panes.
Police are looking into work as motive in the killing of Panes who allegedly had a verbal altercation with a female customer who was linked to one of the suspects.