• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The killing of a couple and their son in Murcia town is considered by the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) as an “isolated case” and has nothing to do with the forthcoming May 12 elections.
In a statement, PCol. Rainerio de Chavez, police provincial director, strongly condemned the violent incident in Sitio Guinam-an, Barangay Buenavista on May 1, which was reported in the morning of May 2.
“We are condemning this brutal and senseless act. Let me make it clear – this is an isolated case. It will not affect the ongoing election period. The safety and security of our communities remain our top priority, especially during this critical time,” he said.
The Murcia police has yet to identify the suspects behind the shooting to death of the Celayes couple Neldi, 59, and Josephine, 60, and their son Jovie, 33.
All the victims succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds, police investigation showed.
Probers recovered at the scene of incident three fired cartridges and an ammunition of caliber .45 pistol, a bullet shell, and a slug of caliber .357 revolver.
They are looking at land conflict as among the possible motives.
De Chavez said they have already determined some persons of interest, who may have perpetrated the crime, based on the testimonies of some family members.
He assured the public that additional police resources and investigative support have been mobilized to assist Murcia Municipal Police Station in swiftly resolving the case and bringing justice to the victims.
De Chavez also called on the public to remain calm and cooperative and to immediately report any information that may assist authorities in their investigation. | GB
