Police investigators believe the gunman who killed lawyer Joshua Lavega Abrina was trained or experienced in handling firearms, after hitting him with all three shots during the attack in his home on the night of September 17.
“Tatlo ang ipinutok niya at tatlo rin ang basyong nakita sa area at tatlo rin ang tama ni Atty. Abrina. So, ang gunman ay masasabi nating may alam o marunong sa paggamit ng baril,” said Police Captain Bryan Rayoso, spokesperson of the Puerto Princesa City Police Office (PPCPO) and Special Investigation Task Group (SITG-Abrina).
He said they already have a person of interest (POI) in the case, but investigators are still considering all possible motives.
Their main priority, Rayoso explained, is to identify the gunman first, after which the motive behind the killing will become clearer.
“Safe to say na mayroon na tayong POI ngayon. And with regards sa anggulo o motibo, lahat ay tinitingnan pa rin natin. Kailangan muna ay malaman natin kung sino ang bumaril and from there, diretso na ‘yan sa motibo. Ang focus muna natin talaga is ma-identify ang gunman bago lalabas dyan yung dahilan kung bakit,” he said.
Autopsy results also revealed Abrina suffered three gunshot wounds, not two as earlier reported during the initial investigation.
Rayoso said this confirmed the shooter’s precision, since all three bullets struck the victim.
Investigators are now reviewing CCTV footage that may have captured the movements of the gunman or those who may have assisted him.
“May mga nakuha na tayong CCTV footage sa mga lugar na na posibleng dinaanan ng perpetrator at nire-review na natin ang mga ito,” he stressed.
Police again appealed to the public to share any information that could help solve the case, assuring protection for those who will come forward.
“Sa mga may nalalaman o information, makipag-ugnayan lang sila sa amin o sa aming hotline numbers at kami na ang gagawa ng paraan. We assure din sa kanilang kaligtasan at confidentiality ng kanilang mga identity siyempre at bibigyan natin sila ng proteksyon,” he appealed.
The total reward has reached ₱630,000 for anyone who can provide information on the still unidentified suspect and mastermind behind the killing.
The Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) national organization also added ₱100,000 to find the perpetrator.
List of officials and organizations that pledged reward money for the case:
- Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron – ₱200,000
- Integrated Bar of the Philippines – ₱100,000
- Integrated Bar of the Philippines Palawan Chapter – ₱100,000
- Councilor Elgin Damasco – ₱50,000
- Councilor Jie Lao – ₱50,000
- Councilor Gerry Abad – ₱50,000
- Board Member Ryan Maminta – ₱50,000
- Vice Mayor MP Albayda – ₱30,000
