MANILA, Philippines — The suspect behind the killing of three individuals in Ateneo de Manila University, including former Lamitan City Mayor Rose Furigay, had “revelations” during his inquest proceedings, said the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday.
“Na-inquest siya ngayon at natapos na ata ‘yung documentation, pero meron siyang mga revelations na the investigators have to explore at ‘yun nga ‘yung ating aantayanin,” PNP Director for Operations Police Maj. Gen. Valeriano de Leon told reporters in an ambush interview on Commonwealth Avenue.
(He had undergone inquest proceedings already and the documentation has been completed, but he has revelations that the investigators have to explore, and that is what we are waiting for.)
An inquest is a summary procedure to determine whether an individual arrested without a warrant will be released on account of a dismissal of charges, released for further preliminary investigation proceedings, or charged in court.
Investigators, however, are still focused on the charges — multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder — pressed against the suspect, identified as Chao Tiao Yumol, according to De leon.
De Leon also did not confirm whether or not Yumol had already found a lawyer to defend him.
“In time, we will have to explore also the information na kaniyang binanggit kahapon at ngayong raw,” said De Leon.
(In time, we will have to explore also the pieces of information that he mentioned yesterday and today.)
No adjustment to Sona security
When asked whether the incident will affect the security during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s first State of the Nation Address (Sona), De Leon said it won’t.
“Walang ugnayan ito sa tinatawag natin na Sona ni President Ferdinand Marcos Jr,” said De Leon.
(This is not related to the so-called Sona of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.)
Licensed gun owner
Yumol was also a licensed gun owner, said De Leon.
“Siya ay isang licensed gun owner, valid ‘yung kaniyang license to own and possess firearm,” said De Leon.
(He is a licensed gun owner, his license to own and possess a firearm is valid.)
De Leon also said that one of the suspect’s guns was also registered under his name.
“Pero ‘yung caliber .45 ay isang baril na kailangan nating imbestigahan dahil ito ay hindi rehistrado sa kaniyang pangalan,” he added.
(But the caliber .45 is a gun that we need to investigate because it is not registered in his name.)
The incident occurred Sunday afternoon at the Areté complex inside the Ateneo de Manila University during the law graduation of former mayor Furigay’s daughter.
The other two who were killed in the incident were Furigay’s aide Victor Capistrano, and Jeneven Bandiala, a security guard in Ateneo.
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