4 suspects in Batuan vice mayor slay to face murder, illegal possession raps

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila Police District (MPD) is set to file cases of illegal possession of firearms and murder against four arrested suspects tagged in the ambush of Batuan, Masbate Vice Mayor Charlie Yuson III, who was slain in Sampaloc, Manila on Wednesday.

READ: Masbate town vice mayor dies, 2 others hurt in Manila ambush

In an interview with reporters on Thursday, MPD director Brig. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. said eight witnesses have positively identified the suspects who were arrested in a dragnet operation in Ermita on the same day of the ambush.

“Ibig sabihin [This means] we are 101 percent sure na itong hawak natin ay ito ay ‘yung mga culprits sa nangyaring patayan kahapon [that these suspects are the real culprits behind the ambush yesterday].”

“We will expedite ‘yung documents na kailangan. Kung kaya po natin ihabol, i-inquest natin ngayong araw [If we can, we will try to file the cases today],” he added.

He said investigators are continuously getting statements from witnesses to strengthen the case against the suspects.

Lalaine Yuson, the victim’s wife, meanwhile, said that she is now satisfied with the turnout of the investigation, moments after he earlier suspected a possible police coverup on the case.

READ: Slain Masbate town exec’s wife cries cover up; Manila police deny

“Actually hindi ko pa nakikita ang bangkay ng asawa ko, pinrioritize ko ‘to, so ngayon kampante na ako at thank you ako kay Director (Danao) sa pagtulong kasi naiinip na ako,” she said.

(Actually I have not seen the body of my husband. I prioritized this one, so now I am at peace and I want to thank Director [Danao] for helping because I am tired of waiting.) /jpv