MANILA, Philippines – Investigators are looking into “murder for insurance” as a probable motive in the killing of a Korean national in Valenzuela City, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

In a press statement, PNP chief General Debold Sinas said that the ongoing investigation into the murder of Korean businessman, Nam Sunuk “took an interesting turn” as probers uncovered more evidence and facts about the crime.

Sinas said the special task group for Nam Sunuk slay established the possibility of “murder for insurance” after suspects Kimberly Radores and Rica Estrella said in their extra-judicial confession, executed in the presence of lawyers, that the crime was staged and planned by the victim himself.

Sinas said investigators have preserved digital evidence of alleged email messages by the victim to one of the suspects which can further assist in deeper investigation of the case.

He, however, noted that the individual participation of the suspects are enough evidence to establish their culpability in the crime.

Based on initial information and evidence gathered, Nam Sunuk, 55, was shot dead in the backseat of his Hyundai Tucson SUV on the night of February 13, 2021 in Maysan, Valenzuela City.

Police have recovered a Norinco cal.45 pistol and a red Honda Civic believed to have been used in the crime.

Valenzuela City Police has filed murder charges against suspects Radores, Estrella, Rusty Hernadez Cruz, Josephine Pidlaoan Nape, Leana Marie Nagaño aka “Yana”, Bryan Saga Gulfo, Bryan Remlona Escamillas, and Police Corporal Darwin Garcia Castillo.

Three of the suspects, Radores, Estrella and Castillo, executed extra-judicial confessions, in the presence of lawyers Atty. Ian Rex Manuta Visto, Atty. Divina Patty Bagarino Sibay and Atty. Engel Ang-Tong, detailing their personal knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the death of Nam Sunuk.

Sinas said they will closely coordinate with their police counterparts from the Korean National Police thru the Korean Embassy in Manila to share notes on the murder case.

MANILA, Philippines—Around P30 million worth of fake cigarettes were seized in two warehouses in Bataan, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

PNP Chief PGen. Debold Sinas reported that the Police Regional Office 3, with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and other local authorities, raided Crisostomo Rice Mill Warehouse in Barangay Sto. Domingo, Orion, Bataan.

They discovered units of cigarette-making machines and raw materials worth around P20 million.

A Follow-up operation was conducted where authorities seized an undetermined quantity of imported sacks of rice and master cases of counterfeit different brands of cigarettes. The seized items have an estimated value of P10 million.

“I commend our police units and other pillars of the criminal justice system for their support in the fight against criminality. The successful raid today is just a manifestation of our long-lasting cooperation to better serve and protect the community from all kinds of lawlessness,” Sinas said. –AAC

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police (PNP) has identified two suspects in the killing of Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay Vice Mayor Restituto Calonge.

A regionwide manhunt operations are underway, according to PNP. Authorities identified the suspects as Er Mangod and Jomar Taiting, who are alleged members of the Anwar Ansang gang.

The two were tagged for shooting Calonge and Engineer Edgar Pampanga on Friday (February 26). They are also involved in gun for hire, piracy, and illegal drug activities in the region. AAC