CHR-6: No breakthrough yet on chop-chop victim’s murder probe

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR)-Region 6 has yet to stumble upon substantial evidence that could point to the suspects in the “chop-chop murder” in Iloilo City three weeks ago.

Atty. Jonnie Dabuco, CHR-6 regional director, said they have talked to several people but they haven’t found any witnesses that could directly point to the possible perpetrators.

“There are people who talk but their information is not directly related to the identification of the possible suspects,” he said.

The CHR-6 chief said that those “witnesses” only discussed how they were able to find the body parts of chop-chop victim Kristopher Cabalquinto.

That’s why, for now, Dabuco added, “Indi pa amo na ka-klaro sa amon as to the identity of the suspects and the motive of the incident.”

But he that there has been no problem in the coordination with the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Cabalquinto.

“They’re not hesitant to talk to us,” he said.

Dabuco clarified that their main obligation is to ensure that the state is doing its obligation, including the monitoring of the police works.

“We are also conducting our own investigation purposely if we could help in identifying the suspects,” he said.

Given that there are no suspects, Dabuco said they could not conclude on allegations that law enforcers or syndicates are behind the incident.

“We can’t rule anything – whether law enforcers are involved or not. We are looking at all possibilities considering that there are statements that it could be the handiwork of illegal drug groups or it was a case of a love triangle or if the police are behind it,” he said.

Dabuco said CHR-6 can only rule on the motive and identify the suspects if they have complete evidence to back up the claims.

“Anything is possible. The possibility is always there but in any case, dapat it should be supported by evidence,” he said.

Cabalquinto’s death hogged the limelight because of the brutality he suffered.

The 32-year-old victim’s two arms were found at Zone 2, Barangay Ticud, La Paz around 6:10 a.m. on Nov. 6.

His headless body was recovered at Zone 1, Barangay Buhang, Jaro district at around 8:32 a.m.

While his head was recovered afternoon of Nov. 7 at Quezon Street, Arevalo district.