“I am very happy that the people of Pagadian City gave their trust and cooperation in solving criminalities that happened in our city by giving us vital information thru text messages. The text message came from a concerned citizen that resulted in the arrest of one of the two suspects and the recovery of vehicle”, Mayor Co told the reporters.

It was learned that early morning of December 15, 2007, Barangay Captain Evelyn Declaro of Barangay Banali immediately conducted a follow-up on a reported dead body recovered at her Barangay. The body was identified as the late Jonard Escarpe Gandingan, 21 years old student and a resident of Sta. Maria District this city. The victim sustained 21-stabbed wounds in different parts of his body that caused his untimely death. The wrist watch, Cellular phone, and necklace of the victim was also reportedly missing.

After the incident was heard reported in local radio stations, Barangay Captain Declaro received text messages from a concerned citizen. The text messages informed her that the night before the incident the victim was seen in Plaza Luz aboard his single motorcycle but driven by a certain Anton together with another person who was identified later as Rosan Pillas. The information was given immediately to COP Buenaobra and after confirming the said reports a series of raids was conducted.

The suspect is identified as Anton Padua, 30 years old, single and a resident of Lapu-lapu District this city. He was arrested while still sleeping at his residence. The said carnapped vehicle was also recovered at the house of the suspect. Rosan Pillas managed to escape during the raid by the police operatives lead by COP Buenaobra at about 9:30 in the morning.

Anton Padua when presented to the media accepted that he was with the victim the night before the incident and identified his companion as Rosan Pillas. They were at the Plaza Luz having a drinking spree and later on the victim Jonard on his vehicle arrived and joined them in drinking, “I know Jonard, he is my friend,” Anton told the reporters.

“After we were drunk, we requested Jonard to drive us to our residence. I requested that I drive and Jonard agreed and allowed me to drive his motorcycle. My companion Rosan, and Jonard were my passengers on the single motorcycle of Jonard. Along the way, Rosan requested to go in the direction of the Rotunda and directed me to turn to Banali area because he has something to get from his friend's house. Unexpectedly, upon reaching an unlighted area, Rosan requested to stop the vehicle and pushed Jonard who fell to the ground. Rosan disembarked and went to Jonard. I thought he was just mauling Jonard but when he returned, his hands were already bloody. We immediately left the area leaving behind the victim. We never planned the crime, it was only Rosan who did it,” Anton narrated the story to the media.

Anton confirmed that the item missing from the victim was in the possession of Rosan and the motorcycle was temporary hidden at his residence by his companion.

COP Buenaobra also told the reporters that justice will be given to a victim if the people will always cooperate to the Police Authorities by giving immediately the first hand information needed to solve a crime. If possible, information given to prevent a crime is highly helpful.

The parents of the victim were also present during the presentation of the suspect in the press conference. They were in tears because of the early death of their eldest son Jonard. They expressed their heartfelt thanks to the authorities behind the arrest of the suspect and specially to the concerned citizen who sent the text messages which resulted in the early solution of the crime.

Meanwhile, Mayor Co promised the parents of the victim that the city government will extend all possible assistance.

Barangay Captain Declaro also told the reporters that even when she was a Barangtay Kagawad her Barangay was already a dumping site of murdered victims. She expressed her optimism that with the cooperation of the people, the peace and order in our city can be easily maintained.