Gunman in PDEA staffer’s killing charged

POLICE have filed charges against the suspect in the September 14-shooting of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) information officer Jessie Tabanao.

Arnel Soliver, an alleged gun-for-hire was sued for Tabanao’s murder before the City Prosecutors Office yesterday. He is at large. His last known address is at AC Cortes Street in Mandaue City. He is a member of the Alpha Kappa Rho fraternity whose members have been implicated in various high profile crimes in the past.

Chief Inspector Romeo Santander, chief of the intelligence branch of the Cebu City Police Office, said Soliver has been implicated in several shooting incidents in Cebu City and is believed to work for a group involved in the illegal drugs trade.

Soliver was once associated with Aristotle Aves, another hitman of the Alpha Kappa Rho fraternity who was arrested by police several times for various criminal offenses in 2008.

Tabanao’s wife Katrina yesterday expressed elation that a complaint was finally filed.

“This is the first step in our quest for justice. The filing of a case against the suspect will not lessen the pain that I feel. But at least, we have a chance for justice to be served,” said Katrina, who is left with two children.

The police were able to obtain a photograph of Soliver from one of their civilian assets.

The latest information police received was that Soliver had left Cebu. In a press conference yesterday, police said Soliver was involved in the killing of members of their rival fraternity in 2005 and 2006.

“We have information that the suspect has links to a drug group but this is still subject for validation”, Santander said.

Senior Supt. Noli Romana, chief of the Cebu City Police Office, believes someone else is involved in the shooting of Tabanao aside from Soliver.

When asked, police said they are still investigating the mastermind.

“We are not closing our investigation,” said Romana, adding that they will not stop with the filing of charges because they will make sure of getting a conviction.

Santander said Soliver is skilled with guns considering it as his hobby. Soliver has several guns including a .9mm pistol which he probably used in killing Tabanao.

Soliver is left handed, something which was confirmed by witnesses. The gunman’s right hand was shot in a previous shooting, Santander said. /Ador Vincent Mayol and Chito O. Aragon