Iloilo radioman files frustrated murder raps vs 3 suspects

ILOILO CITY, Philippines – An Iloilo-based radio host who survived an attack early this March has filed frustrated murder charges against three alleged members of a gun-for-hire group.

Radio blocktime host Fernando “Kapid” Gabio filed the complaint before the Iloilo City Prosecutor’s Office Tuesday afternoon against Jenel Chiva, Rodel Almoete and Oliver Panes.

Gabio suffered a bullet wound in his thigh after a gunman repeatedly shot him while he was cleaning his car in front of his house in Barangay Democracia in Jaro district here on March 2. The gunman fled on a motorcycle driven by an accomplice.

In his complaint, Gabio accused Chiva as the alleged gunman and the two others as accomplices. Almoete allegedly acted as the driver of the motorcycle while Panes, a neighbor of Gabio, allegedly helped by providing information on the broadcaster’s movements.

Gabio said the suspects were identified by a witness through photographs in a police rogue’s gallery.

Chiva and Almoete allegedly were seen by the witness near Gabio’s house days before he was attacked.

Gabio also identified Chiva as the alleged gunman because he supposedly briefly took off his motorcycle helmet before he shot the broadcaster.

Senior Superintendent Marietto Valerio, Iloilo City police director, said the suspects were believed part of the “Chiva Group,” an Iloilo-based criminal gang engaged in robbery, killings and other crimes.

He said Chiva was involved in a robbery case and was released on bail.

Almoete has been wanted since he escaped from the National Penitentiary in Muntinlupa on Sept. 27, 2009, Velerio added.

Investigators have yet to determine motive behind the attack but Gabio has insisted that it was related to his work as a host of a block-time program.