Cops identify assailant of NCMH chief; raps being readied

VICTIMS’ VEHICLE The vehicle where National Center for Mental Health chief Roland Cortez (inset) and driver Ernesto dela Cruz were shot dead has been taken to Camp Karingal, the Quezon City Police District headquarters, for further examination. INQUIRER file photo / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — Police have identified the man behind the killing of National Center for Mental Health (NCHM) director Roland Luyun Cortez and his driver Ernesto Ponce dela Cruz.

In a press conference at Camp Karingal, Quezon City on Tuesday, Quezon City Police District chief Brig. Gen. Ronnie Montejo said they are preparing complaints against the assailant.

“Kahapon po nag-meeting ‘yung SITG (Special Investigation Task Group) natin. Maganda na po ang resulta. May lead na po tayo sa driver ng motorcyle, nakuha na natin ‘yung picture niya. More or less, malapit na natin itong maifile ‘yung kaso,” Montejo said when asked about updates on the killing of NCMH chief.

(Yesterday, our STIG had a meeting. The result is clear. We have a lead to establish the identity of the motorcycle driver, we got his picture. More of less, we are very close in filing the case.)

But the name of the suspect has yet to be disclosed due to continued police operations, Metro Manila police chief Major Gen. Debold Sinas said.

“We just withheld yunng identity at saka yung  photo niya kasi tina-track pa namin (because we are still tracking him down),” Sinas said during the same press conference.

According to a police report, Cortez and his driver were fatally shot by two men riding pillion along Tandang Sora Avenue in Quezon City last July 27.

In the case of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Board Secretary Wesley Barayuga’s death, Col. Orlando Yebra Jr., Eastern Police District deputy district for administration, said the SITG is still conducting further investigation in the shooting incident involving another government official.

Days after the killing of Cortez, Barayuga died after he was shot four times by an unidentified motorcycle gunman in the afternoon of July 30.

JPV