Phone text messages eyed as clues in slay

Two mobile phones of slain businessman Antonio ‘Tony’ Ouano recovered last Friday contained text messages that may provide clues to the perpetrators.

Insp. Ramil Morpos, deputy chief of the Mandaue City police’s Investigation and Detection Management Branch (IDMB) said they transcribed the text messages and phone calls from the cell phones but declined to elaborate.

“Its possibly personal grudges that started from a business negotiation. We hope there are other leads on the suspects,” Morpos said.

He said they have a hard time talking to the grieving family and relatives who sought privacy.

More friends and family went to the wake of Ouano at the lobby of the Cebu Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes in Nivel Hills, barangay Lahug in Cebu City yesterday.

A flower wreath from former Rep. Clavel Martinez and Bogo City Mayor Junie Martinez could be seen in the lobby.

At past 1 p.m. yesterday, the large suite where Ouano’s wake was held was filled with family members clad in either white or black.

Ouano has six kids. A family member approached by Cebu Daily News said the family isn’t ready to issue a statement on the incident.

Visitors were only allowed to stay outside the large suite.

There was no specific date yet on when Ouano’s remains will be laid to rest.

But the signage placed outside the glass door of the large suite indicated that Ouano will be buried in Cempark.

Ouano was gunned down while driving to a court hearing in Mandaue City.

He was ambushed by two motorcycle-riding men on Mantawi Drive near Ouano Avenue in Mandaue City at 2:15 p.m. last Friday.

As of now the police has three witnesses in the incident including Ouano’s secretary Nene Mangubat who survived the ambush.

Mangubat said she saw one of the suspects in passing.

A facial composite of one of the assailants will be released soon, said police.

Supt. James Goforth, deputy city director for operations (DCDO), said four gun-for-hire mercenaries are being monitored by police in relation to the ambush.
He said the three suspects have pending arrest warrants for murder and robbery. /Jucell Marie P. Cuyos and Carmel Loise Matus