The Philippine National Police has initially made a breakthrough in its investigation into the recent summary execution of three civilians in Silay City, Negros Occidental.

Supt. Rosauro Francisco, Silay police chief, yesterday said they have identified the owner of the getaway vehicle of the suspects in the killing of John Rey Dematogue, 28; Macho Pedronio, 32; and Rocky Peronilla, 38, all of Victorias City.

The investigation of the Silay police showed that a top-down tricycle was used as getaway vehicle of more than two suspects, who were reportedly armed with an M-16 armalite rifle and .45 caliber pistol.

Francisco said they are investigating allegations that the victims may have been also involved in robbery-hold-up activities, and they are also looking into the possibility that the killing had been triggered by an unequal distribution of proceeds from their illegal activities.

The identities of the owner of tricycle and witnesses were withheld by the police, pending a follow-up investigation of the summary execution.

The three victims, when found at the national highway of Sitio Tinijaban I, Brgy. Hawaiian, Silay City, were all hogtied, and shot at close range by more than two suspects, the police said.

The eight empty shells of an M-16 rifle and .45 caliber pistol that had been recovered at the crime scene, were endorsed by the Silay police to the PNP Crime Laboratory for ballistic examinations.* GPB

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