PNP takes custody of star witness in ex-Batangas Rep. Mendoza’s killing
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has taken custody of the star witness in the killing of former Batangas Representative Edgar Mendoza and his companions.
According to John Consulta's report on GMA News TV’s Balitanghali on Thursday, the witness is in the custody of the PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
The killing is now being linked to Mendoza’s job as a lawyer.
CIDG acting director Police Brigadier General Joel Coronel said the main suspect is one of Mendoza's former clients, Sherwin Sanchez, currently in prison for murder.
According to the police investigation, Mendoza was supposed to collect money from Sanchez's camp, but that the client had no intention of paying him.
Coronel said Sanchez turned to another detainee, Arthur Fajardo, to find someone to kill Mendoza. Then Fajardo contacted his wife, Jael Fajardo, to contact the killers.
Coronel said the victims were told to go to the Fajardos' residence in Calamba City to get the money. The victims were then served coffee with sleeping pills.
The unconscious victims were then put in the car and killed, with the car set on fire.
Mendoza's car was found torched in Tiaong, Quezon on January 9, with the victims' bodies inside.
Five people have been arrested in connection with the killing. Three counts of murder were filed against six suspects before the Calamba City Prosecutor's Office, PNP chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa said. — BM, GMA News