Double murder charges vs kap’s son readied

By Felipe B. Celino 

ROXAS CITY, Capiz— A double murder charge is being readied against the son of village chief Restituto “Resty” Oquendo who shot dead a couple Wednesday night in a “talipapa” or roadside market at Brgy. Hipona Pontevedra, Capiz.

Major Christopher Candelario, Pontevedra police chief, said Restituto Oquendo Jr. alias Sultan remains at large after allegedly shooting couple Noli Navarro, 59, and his wife Juara, 56.

The incident happened while the Navarros were tending to their products at Barangay Hipona around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Candelario said they are preparing to file the charges before the Provincial Prosecutors Office.

Candelario said news that Restituto Jr. was arrested Thursday evening in an upland village of Maayon was false.

There were reports that Sultan was sighted in Barangays Parallan, Quinabunglan, Quevedo, Alasaging and Tuburan in Maayon towns, and in Sara and Lemery in the province of Iloilo.

But the reports were negative, Candelario said.

Mayor Esteban Contreras said the municipal government of Pontevedra will reward anyone who can point to Restituto Jr.’s location.

This is in addition to the P100,000 reward earlier pledged by Colonel Julio Gustilo Jr., Capiz police director.

Contreras assured the Navarros of his support until they get justice. He also assured their safety.

Meanwhile, Michaela Oquendo-Romero said her father Restituto Sr. cannot move to compel Restituto Jr. to surrender because of his ailment.

Michaela said his doctor won’t allow him to be under stress.

In a radio interview by Radio Bandera Friday morning, Michaela echoed her father’s denial that Restituto Jr. killed the couple.