Slain Cebu trader’s kin seek thorough probe

nbi building

The National Bureau of Investigation. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

CEBU CITY, Philippines—The family of slain businessman Richard King has asked the National Bureau of Investigation in Central Visayas (NBI-7) based in this city to look closely into his killing.

King’s brother, Rafael, wrote NBI-7 Director Max Salvador on Friday asking that the agency examine all angles in the murder of King who was shot inside his office building in Davao City on June 12.

“We would like to request a thorough investigation regarding the death of my brother. As per news report, this was done by a still unidentified gunman,” the letter said.

Coordination 

NBI-7 supervising agent Rennan Augustus Oliva, who was designated to lead the investigation, is coordinating with the NBI in Davao.

“Although the crime happened in Davao, there’s a possibility the gunman and mastermind are from Cebu,” Oliva said.

King, 57, chair and chief executive officer of J. King and Sons Co. Inc., was shot by a gunman who walked into the Vital C Building in Davao in the evening of June 12.

Mother company 

Under the mother company, J. King and Sons, are several subsidiaries: Crown Regency Hotels and Resorts, Club Ultima, Fuente Triangle, First Laundry, Vital C Health Products Inc., Prana Medispa, Sky Experience Adventure, Prince Court Hotels and Suites, Metrosports Center, Ultima Sharp Shooters Club, among others.

King’s body was brought to Cebu on a Cebu Pacific flight at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday.

His casket was taken to St. Peter Funeral Homes on Imus Road. Interment is tentatively set for June 18 at Cebu Memorial Park in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City.

The wake is being held at the St. Matthew Chapel at St. Peter Funeral Homes.

Tight security 

King’s employees joined his wife, Katherine, two children, five siblings and other relatives at the vigil.

Security at the chapel is tight. The Kings’ hotel security guards have ringed the area and don’t allow reporters inside.

Visitors are stopped and checked before being allowed into the chapel.–Ador Vincent S. Mayol and Carine M. Asutilla 

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