Police eye multiple suspects in Passi couple’s murder

By Jennifer P. Rendon

There could be around two to three suspects behind the killing of an elderly couple in Passi City, Iloilo.

Lt. Col. German Magbanua, Passi City police chief, said the murder of spouses Rufo, 82, and Arceli, 62, could not have been perpetrated by a single person.

He declined, though, to discuss the possible persons of interest, saying it might affect the ongoing investigation.

Magbanua is not discounting the possibility that the victims knew their assailants, as they went out of their home.

At least three motives are being considered: robbery, family conflict, and a land dispute.

The couple’s bodies were discovered around 7 a.m. July 5 just outside their house in Barangay Salngan, Passi City.

Based on the autopsy, Rufo died of a gunshot wound to the body, while Arceli died of blunt force injuries to the head.

Investigators theorized that the couple fought their attackers.

The woman sustained a fractured arm, while the man sustained defense wounds.