BY RHENJIE MARIE CALANTAS
ILOILO City – The Mandurriao district police has identified several suspects in a rumble around 4:20 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 15, along the Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue (Diversion Road) in Mandurriao district.
The fracas injured Mark Wilheim Bechayda, 24, of Barangay Tagbak, Jaro; Ramir Gallardo Jr., 24, of Barangay Rizal, Lapuz; and John Obbett Taton, 24, of Barangay Ticud, La Paz.
Police investigation revealed that while Bechayda and his friends were on board a Ford Ranger pickup, they suddenly heard a loud boom that they believed to be from a hard object hitting their vehicle. It was followed by a loud shout of profanity, “Fuck you, kamu!”
In response, Gallardo, who was driving, decided to drive in reverse to verify and possibly identify the perpetrator. Upon parking, a group of more or less 15 persons confronted them without any provocation on their part.
Police said the group suddenly ganged up on Bechayda, Gallardo and Taton. They also pelted the pickup with stones.
The Mandurriao police, in response to the incident, were able to intercept Jhon Ryan Hiceta, 19, of Barangay Rizal Estanzuela, City Proper who was fleeing.
When he was presented, the complainants were unsure of his involvement, so he was released.
Hiceta cooperated with the authorities and named several suspects – Bernard Beltran, Jay Jay Torrecampo, John Rey Sotelo, Pritz Virgel, and 10 others.
Police Captain Benjie Q. Dicen and Police Staff Sergeant Alvin J. Palma conducted a follow-up investigation at around 7 a.m. on Jan. 15 in Barangay Rizal Pala-Pala, City Proper. They were able to ascertain the names of other suspects – Rodman Dela Cruz, Donie Labios, Karen Dela Cruz, Dandan Beltan, Bonbon Dela Cruz, Jhonty Sotelo, and Jhelord Torrecampo.
As of this writing, the Mandurriao police was preparing the charges to be filed.
Mayor Jerry P. Treñas ordered Iloilo City Police Office director, Police Colonel Leo Batiles, to increase police presence in areas where people converge as the Dinagyang Festival approaches./PN
