Police probe lawyer’s death in Bukidnon
Police in Bukidnon province are investigating the death of 68-year-old laywer Pepito Suello, which was initially reported as a case of accidental firing or an ambush.
But the chief of the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) said he doesn’t believe the Boholano lawyer’s death was accidental.
Chief Supt. Prudencio “Tom” Bañas said there were indications that Suello was shot at close range.
Bañas said according to the initial report, Suello was driving his SUV when someone fired shots at the driver’s side last Tuesday.
Police recovered empty shells of a 9mm caliber pistol inside the vehicle.
“The empty shells were recovered inside, so it debunks the theory that the shots were fired from the outside. The shooting happened inside the car,” Bañas said.
Bañas said he was told by Supt. Henry Dampal, chief of the Malaybalay Police in Budkidnon, that the circumstances surrounding the lawyer’s death remain sketchy.
Bukidnon police learned that Suello had two passengers on board – lawyer Alvie Damasco and Fernando Macalintal, a policeman from Pampanga.
Police said it was Damasco, who was seated beside Suello, who described what happened as an accidental discharge of a firearm.
Suello was the legal counsel of Macalintal, who is facing charges in Pampanga.
Macalintal could no longer be located after the incident.
The gun which allegedly went off and hit Suello in the armpit was not recovered.
“We will look into the background of the victim. If the family will seek assistance, we will help them,” said Bañas.
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Cebu Chapter expressed grief over Suello’s death.
“It is with a heavy heart that we inform (you) of the untimely demise of Atty. Pepito Suello. We urge everyone to offer their prayers for the repose of the soul of Atty. Suello,” a message posted on the IBP’s Facebook account read.
Lawyer Gonzalo Malig-on, president of the IBP Cebu Chapter, called on law enforcement agencies to go after the perpetrators and the mastermind.
“We express sympathy to Atty. Suello’s family. We hope to know the facts of what happened,” he told CDN over the phone.
Suello was a native of Loon town in Bohol. He was admitted to the bar on April 27, 1985.
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