The Makati City Police yesterday said that they have created a special investigation task group that would conduct a deeper probe on the killing of a “balikbayan” man, who only returned to the country to get an update on his sister’s death.
Senior Supt. Rommil Mitra, chief of the Makati City Police, said that the special task group will try to identify the motive behind the killing of Petronio Rosales Jr., 34, who arrived in the country from London two months ago to follow up his younger sister’s death, Lauren, 27.
“Ginawa natin ito para mas maraming tututok na tao sa kaso. As of now, hindi pa natin ma-establish kung ano ang motibo sa pagpatay sa magkapatid kaya hopefully, ma-crack natin itong kaso,” said Mitra.
Mitra said that aside from the homicide section, which handles the case of the Rosales siblings, the special investigation task group is composed of concerned police precinct commanders, the city police’s intelligence group, special action group, and criminal investigation group.
Petronio was shot dead by two motorcycle-riding gunmen past midnight on October 26, just outside Dellherts Bar and Restaurant at corner Yakal and Talisay Streets, Barangay San Antonio in Makati.
Police reported that Rosales and a friend, whose identity was withheld, were both waiting for a Grab taxi service after a “despedida” party since the victim was supposed to fly back to London today (Friday, October 28), when suddenly, the suspects stopped in front of them.
The back rider shot Rosales at close range, hitting him in the head and chest.
Police said that the elder Rosales wanted to personally follow up the case of Lauren who was gunned down by his co-passenger while she was on board a jeepney last July 21 at corner J.P. Rizal and N. Garcia Streets in Makati.
“Sa background check namin, wala kaming makitang involvement ng magkapatid na ito sa illegal drug activities eh kaya tinitignan din namin ‘yung ibang anggulo,” Mitra said.
Mitra said that they are eyeing possible leads on conflicts on property ownership, among others, but refused to divulge further information. (MARTIN A. SADONGDONG)
