THE remains of a theft suspect who allegedly engaged in a shootout with police was found floating off the waters of Zone 3 in Barangay Biasoy, Talisay City, at 7 a.m. yesterday.
The suspect was identified as 34-year-old Leonardo Panerio, also known as Rico Pulgado Panerio, a resident of Barangay Dumlog, Talisay City.
Fishermen Isagani Pabrica and Rolando Capilitan spotted Panerio just as they were about to dock their boat. Biasoy Barangay Chairman Reynaldo Bas reported their discovery to the police.
PO2 Cecilio Meñoza said Panerio exchanged gunfire with police at Phase 2 of Deca Homes in Barangay Dumlog.
He said Panerio was caught by security guards Santiago Evañez and Mario Calago stealing some construction materials worth P6,000.
When Evañez and Calago confronted Panerio, the suspect pulled out a revolver and shot at them but they ran for cover and called police.
Panerio ran and jumped into a river, leaving the stolen materials behind.
Police waited for him to surface, but he didn’t and Panerio’s remains were found the following morning.
Panerio supposedly had bite marks made by fish, Meñoza said.
Maricel Tuadles, Panerio’s common-law partner said he left home last Thursday and hadn’t return since.