Lamis suspects still in Iloilo

By Francis Allan L. Angelo

THE main suspects in the assassination of a police officer are still in Iloilo, according to the PNP and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

S/Supt. Dennis Basngi, Iloilo City police director, said suspects Rene Esnaldo, 36, of Brgy. Taal in Molo, Iloilo City and Fluvio Libre, 32, of Brgy. Bakhaw in Mandurriao district have yet to slip out of the city and province of Iloilo.

Esnaldo and Libre were charged for the murder of PO2 Joemarie Lamis in the morning of November 2 along Muelle Loney Street, City proper.

The charge was filed Thursday afternoon with the Iloilo City Prosecutor’s Office after five witnesses confirmed the threats on Lamis’ life and the identities of the two suspects.

Esnaldo allegedly shot Lamis while Libre drove the black motorcycle used in the crime.

Basngi said the suspects might be hiding although they have received reports that they have fled from Iloilo City.

“There are people who keep on releasing reports that the suspects have fled from the city. But maybe the information is only meant to distract our focus from the manhunt once the court issues the warrant of arrest against them,” Basngi said.

Based on the investigation by Task Force Joemarie, the suspects are alleged members of the purported Prevendido illegal drug syndicate.

Ledesma said their intelligence information reveal that suspects belong to the illegal drugs group.

Police pointed to illegal drugs as the motive for the killing of Lamis since he handled more than 55 illegal drugs cases filed in court.

Lamis was also active in running after illegal gambling operators and their collectors before he was reassigned from Iloilo City to Guimaras.