P50K booty up for Argao councilor’s killer

A P50,000 cash reward will be given to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest of the killer of Councilor Joaquin Banosong of Argao town.

Argao Mayor Edsel Galeos announced the cash reward offer, saying he and some friends raised the money to encourage witnesses to cooperate with the police.

Personal grudge and business dealings were looked into as the motives behind Banosong’s murder at the public market last Monday afternoon.

The councilor was boarding his Hyundai Starex van when he was shot by a lone gunman.

Banosong, who owns a meat shop in the public market, succumbed to gunshot wounds on his left and right temple and wounds on the left side of his neck.

“There’s an initial P50,000 cash reward for the arrest of the suspect,” Galeos said yesterday.

He said he had yet to talk to the municipal council on whether or not to raise cash for this purpose.

Galeos also ordered Argao police chief Senior Insp. Allan Rosario to locate the perpetrator.

The mayor said Banosong had no known enemies and extended assistance to those who asked for his help.

SPO4 Esteban Albuera, Argao deputy police chief, said they are checking on Banosong’s clients and the councilor’s helper identified as Meliton “Eliong” Oyangoren, an ex-convict from barangay Tigib.

Oyangoren was convicted for murder in 2002 and served his sentence in Muntinglupa.

He secured a pardon and Oyangoren was taken in as a helper by Banosong.

Last May 27,Councilor Banosong reportedly reprimanded Oyangoren after Oyangoren allegedly harassed and attempted to hack the councilor’s farm helper identified as Joel.

Oyangoren left Banosong and informed the councilor’s family that he would go to Manila last Saturday.

Albuera said Oyangoren is considered a suspect because of his background.

Albuera said they went to Oyangoren’s brother Danny when they visited his house in Tigib last Monday night and Danny told them that Oyangoren brought his belongings for his trip to Manila.

Albuera said they are checking if Oyangoren really left for Manila. Banosong’s remains were brought to his home in barangay Talaga yesterday.

Banosong, who would have turned 65 in August, lef behind five children.

He was a former policeman before he was elected councilor and served three terms.

His wife, Cesaria said, she didn’t believe that Oyangoren killed her husband.

No politics

Senior Supt. Patrocinio Comendador, Cebu provincial police chief, said they discounted politics as the motive since Argao doesn’t have any political conflicts.

He also said they already have identified the gunman but refused to disclose information pending investigation.

A police task force was created to investigate Banosong’s death.