Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo
MANILA, Philippines—Even after Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo earlier confirmed that the younger brother of alleged carjack ringleaders is now being considered one of the suspects in the killing of star witness Alfred Mendiola, he said police investigators shall continue to gather more evidence that can eventually nail the latter to the crime.
“The evidence at hand cannot stand yet,” he said, even though the empty caliber .45 shell recovered in Dasmariñas, Cavite, where Mendiola and two others were found dead matched one of the firearms confiscated from Ryan Dominguez and his three other accomplices during their arrest last Tuesday in Malolos, Bulacan, was enough proof to incriminate the four men.
Ryan Dominguez and his companions were arrested on Tuesday for a crime not related to Mendiola’s murder.
The DILG chief said investigators will also check for finger print matches that may possibly identify who really killed Mendiola, Mark Herrera and Eriberto Jumaquio who bore gunshot wounds to the body and head.
“There is a possible motive. Alfred Mendiola testified against his brother and we don’t discount the possibility that he knew more,” Robredo said.
He said this lead had spurred police to dig deeper into the young Dominguez’ possible involvement.
Still, Robredo would like to think that carjacking is not a Dominguez family business. Jamie Marie Elona