Cops still probing Tuesday’s bloody attack in Tamiao

POLICE are still stumped on who ordered the killing of businessman and ally of former mayor in barangay Tamiao, Compostela town, northern Cebu.

They don’t know who the mastermind is or what the motive was, said PO2 Arnie Goc-ong, investigator.

Police are awaiting paraffin test results on the suspect, Basilides Ponce, 36, who was arrested a few hours after Monday night’s shooting, which left three people dead and five others wounded.

Ponce, a former NPA rebel who became an asset of the military, hasn’t talked much.

“Wala pa siya nistorya. Maru man ni siya kay NPA man ni.” (He did not talk yet. He’s a clever one because he’s an NPA.) Goc-ong told Cebu Daily News.

Charges of illegal possession of firearms and murder were filed against Ponce last Wednesday but the habal-habal driver from Danao City denied any wrong doing. He earlier said he was in the area for surveillance because he was an “asset” of the

Marieto Yraola, husband of barangay captain Lilian Yraola, was shot twice in the back of the head.

The gunman fled to a waiting motorcycle after firing at random into the crowd of spectators watching a fiesta stage show.

Marieto had business dealings in construction supply and real estate. He also ran for municipal councilor last 2010 under Wagas ticket.

The shooting rampage also killed Malou Mahinay, a barangay councilor and Jaime Pateno Jr. /Reporter Rhea Ruth V. Rosell