2 van drivers hired in South Cotabato, killed in Maguindanao
Local News • 18:26 PM Fri May 20, 2016
2,049
By:
Edwin Fernandez
Relatives unload the casket of van driver Jhomar Membrado in Barangay Concepcion, Koroandal City.(Radyo Bida)
KORONADAL CITY -- This is too much, they could have
spared the lives of our loved ones.
This was the reaction ofAraceli Membrado, aunt of slain passenger van driverJhomar Membrado, upon seeing the remains of her
cousin.
Jhomar, 26of Barangay Concepcion, Koronadal Citywas the driver of a Toyota D4D van (temporary
plate 1201098) who was found dead in a remote village in Datu Odin Sinsuat
Maguindanao on May 13. Another victim, Ronald Mariveles of Glammang, Polomolok,
South Cotabato, was also strangled to death and found beside Jhomar.
Tani
indi na lang ginpatay Araceli told DXOM-AM Radyo Bida Friday in between
sobs. The two men were killed through strangulation.
Jhomar
drives the passenger van owned by Chief Inspector Glann Mark Aviso of Sultan
Kudarat police office. His route is Isulan-Gen. Santos City.
Police
said Jhomar's van was hired by five men in Polomolok to bring them toIsulan for P15,000. Mariveles, also a
driver, opted to accompany Jhomar after seeking permission from his employer to
go on a one day leave.
That was the last time they were seen,” Avisa said, adding that Membrado normally
seeks clearance from him whenever he is hired for a special trip.
I
was not aware of the P15,000 deal, normally he informs me about transactions
like this,” Aviso said.
Araceli
said Jhomar’s wife phoned him on May 12 asking
where he was but was told to call later because he was driving. Later, his
phone could no longer be reached.
On
Thursday, police and Koronadal City owned hauler truck brought the remains of
Jhomar and Mariveles from a funeral parlor in Cotabato City.
The
van remained missing.
Koronadal
City Mayor Peter Miguel has extended financial assistance to the victims’ families.
He
also ordered the police to pursue the case against the suspects so justice will
be served.