A breakthrough in the investigations on the recent armed robbery and murder incidents in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, was made by the police yesterday with the positive identification of the two suspects, through the help of witnesses.

Supt. Calixto Mabugat, Kabankalan police chief, identified the alleged gunman as Bonifacio Galagate Jr., alias Dick, and the driver of the get-away vehicle was Richard Gonzales.

Citing testimonies of witnesses, Mabugat said Galagate shot Celso Cari-an Sr., alleged bodyguard of Cheryl Begota, secretary of sugar trader Herminia Ledesma, who was divested of P2 million in cash at gunpoint.

Mabugat said Galagate is the son of former rebel leader Bonifacio Galagate, while Gonzales has a pending case for violation of RA 9165, or the Comprehensive Drug Act of 2002 .

Robbery with homicide charges are expected to be filed today by the police against Galagate and Gonzales for armed robbery and murder incidents in Kabankalan City on Feb. 15.

Mabugat said Gonzales, who is facing drug-related charges, but is out on bail, was positively identified by a witness as the driver of the getaway vehicle, which he and Galagate, used in fleeing from the crime scene.

Cari-an, 67, was trying to stop the two suspects from getting the bag of Begota, 32, that contained P2 million in cash, when he was shot, investigations of the Kabankalan police also showed.

Mabugat asked the public to immediately report the presence of Galagate and Gonzales, if they are sighted in their neighborhoods, to the nearest police station.*GPB

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