Newsbriefs

Money lender slain

NAGUILIAN, Isabela—An Indian money lender was shot and killed by two gunmen on a motorcycle in this town last week, police said. Vicky Talwar, 38, of Cauayan City, had just collected payment from a client in Barangay San Manuel and was about to board his motorcycle when the gunmen attacked him at 12:30 p.m.

Senior Insp. Calixto Labang, police chief here, said investigators are looking at business rivalry or personal grudge as a possible motive in the murder. He said the gunmen left without taking the victim’s wallet containing P9,080 and his mobile phone. Villamor Visaya Jr., Inquirer Northern Luzon

CEBU CITY

US help sought

THE BUREAU of Customs in Cebu will coordinate with the US Department of Homeland Security to trace the real owner of a seized cargo that yielded assault rifle components and dismantled motorcycles worth P3.5 million.

Ronnie C. Silvestre, Cebu customs collector, on Friday said his office decided to seek the help of the US agency after they learned that the consignee of the seized shipment used a fictitious name.

Silvestre said that last Thursday, he met with the representatives of Homeland Security who expressed concern over how the gun components and motorcycles were shipped from the United States. He declined to identify the official.

The consignee was identified as Renato R. Ramos of 1513 J Rizal Street, Barangay (village) Banilad, Cebu City. Authorities later found the identity and address to be fictitious. The cargo has since been ordered seized. Irene R. Sino-Cruz, Inquirer Visayas

CITY OF CALAPAN

Nursing grad killed

A NURSING graduate reviewing for her licensure tests was found dead inside her room in Barangay Calero, this city, on Wednesday.

Charmaine San Agustin Ediesca, 21, who was preparing for the nursing board exams in December, was found dead at around 11 a.m. on Nov. 16. She was half-naked and blood-soaked when found. Police said she suffered from multiple stab wounds.

PO2 Rommel Basco, Calapan police homicide investigator, quoted Dr. Basilico Llanto, city health officer, as saying no sign of rape was found on the victim.

Basco said Ediesca lived with female cousins but she was alone at home when her body was found. Madonna Virola, Inquirer Southern Luzon