GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Authorities have filed a murder complaint against the alleged gunman in the killing here last June 4 of a female executive of media network Brigada Group of Companies, an official said on Thursday.
Capt. Abdulsalam Mamalinta, acting chief of city police station 4, said they formally charged before the city prosecutor’s office on Wednesday suspect Ralph Gerald Sorabia, 27, for the murder of Brigada Group’s executive office director and chief of staff Yentez Quintoy.
He said the complaint was based on the accounts of an “eyewitness” who reportedly identified Sorabia as the motorcycle back rider who shot the victim at close range while she was on her way home aboard her vehicle along the NLSA road in Barangay San Isidro.
Mamalinta earlier said their witness, who is a minor just about two meters from the site, saw the actual shooting of the victim.
Police investigation showed that the suspect harbored grudges against the victim over an undisclosed “personal conflict.”
Col. Gilberto Tuzon, city police director, said the investigation will continue even with the filing of charges against the suspect and their previous declaration that it was considered “solved.”
He said investigators are gathering more evidence and statements from other witnesses that could further firm up the case as he confirmed in a text message that Sorabia came out negative in the paraffin test.
“We’re also looking for the other accomplice of the suspect,” Tuzon said.
Meantime, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has also launched an independent probe on Quintoy’s killing.
Lawyer Regner Peneza, head of NBI Sarangani District Office, said the probe was ordered by acting NBI director Eric Distor.
He said a team from their office is gathering evidence, including closed-circuit television or CCTV footage, that could help establish the possible motive and identity of the suspects.
“We’re tracking all possible leads right now and also taking into consideration the progress made by the city police,” he said in a radio interview.
He said they have coordinated with the top management and concerned personnel of the Brigada Group as well as the victim’s family to get additional information.
“Were hoping that we can get a very good lead in the investigation and eventually crack the case,” he added. (PNA)
