BY GEROME DALIPE IV
ILOILO City – Officials in this metropolis have commended the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) for the swift arrest of the suspected gunman in the killing of former Ingore, La Paz barangay captain Ernie Poral.
Police arrested Nila Guardaya, 39, in Barangay Girado-Magsaysay, Guimbal town a few hours after the broad daylight shooting of Poral on Monday morning.
“I commend the ICPO for the immediate arrest of those responsible for the murder of the late Ernie Poral. I call on the PNP to immediately file the case upon proper study,” said Mayor Jerry Treñas.
The mayor noted the prompt action highlights the police’s dedication and efficiency in addressing violent crimes in the city.
“I also call on the PNP to maximize police visibility to make sure that there is deterrence for any future criminal acts. I have full trust in the ICPO,” stressed Treñas.
The mayor hopes the arrest of the gunman not only brings a sense of justice to the victim’s family but also reassures the public of the authorities’ commitment to maintaining safety and order.
Iloilo City Lone District’s Cong. Julienne Baronda Julienne Baronda expressed her gratitude to the Iloilo City Police Office, led by Police Colonel Kim Lagada for the immediate police work that led to the arrest of Guardaya.
“Due to the strong denial of the suspect, we expect our police authorities to gather sufficient evidence, and present these before the Prosecution Office and the Court, that would merit conviction,” said Baronda.
The legislator has pledged support for the ongoing case against the gunman Guardaya and underscored the essence of pursuing justice and ensuring that such acts of violence do not go unpunished.
Poral, 65, died instantly after the lone gunman shot him in the head. The CCTV footage showed the gunman, who wore a green helmet and black jacket, finished him off with two more shots as the bloodied Poral slumped on the pavement.
Police said Poral went with his wife to the Barangay Baldoza flea market.
The couple went separately to the market where the wife bought vegetables while Poral purchased fowl feeds.
The gunman casually approached Poral and shot him in the head. The suspect immediately sped off on board a black Yamaha Mio motorcycle going to Barangay La Granja. The police said they are not discounting the possibility the gunman is a contract killer.
Interviewed by reporters after the arrest, Guardaya denied he was hired to kill the Poral. He said he was in Barangay Igcocolo, Guimbal, engaged in chainsaw work when the shooting transpired.
Guardaya insisted he was with his wife inside their house when they heard over the radio about the shooting in Barangay Baldoza, La Paz on Monday.
He said the police only arrested him and his companion, Jerson Gemperoso Guintapao while riding the motorcycle in Barangay Igcocolo, Guimbal on Monday evening./PN
