Talisay ambush suspect charged

A COMPLAINT for multiple murder was filed yesterday against the alleged gunman in the Feb. 1 ambush of a lawyer’s wife and two of her companions.

Tommy Echavez, 38, will undergo preliminary investigation before the Talisay City Prosecutors’ Office.

In a phone interview, Talisay City Prosecutor Marshall Rubia said the complaint will be raffled off to a prosecutor.

A subpoena will be sent to Echavez for him to file a counter-affidavit so he can refute the allegations.

Rubia said they decided to elevate to the Regional Trial Court in Cebu City the charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives filed against Echavez.

Echavez, who was wounded during an encounter with arresting policemen last Sunday, failed to appear before the prosecutor’s office.

As a procedure, Rubia said they can elevate the charges against Echavez who is presently confined at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center.

Echavez sustained gunshot wounds on his face and body after he tried to escape from policemen in barangay Lawaan III in Talisay City.

He was tagged by policemen as the person who shot dead Virginia Sesbreño and her two companions Soledad Epanto and Marlon Joshua Young.

Virginia is the wife of lawyer Raul Sesbreño./REPORTER ADOR VINCENT S. MAYOL