Ravanilla slay nears solution

By Bobby Q. Labalan SORSOGON CITY --- Probers are now moving closer to solving the daylight murder of a member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Sorsogon here a little over two weeks ago. Senior Supt. Ronaldo Cabral, Sorsogon police director, in an interview with Bicol Mail yesterday, said that they already have a computerized composite cartographic sketch of the man who gunned down First District Board Member Pedro Ravanilla in the morning of April 11. “It will be a big help in the investigation and we are optimistic that we can solve the case anytime soon,” Cabral said. According to him the slug and the spent cartridge from the gun used by the assailant are also a big help as they might also lead them to the identity of the gunman. He said the suspect used a Glock 9mm handgun. Cabral said Glocks issued to government law enforcers have some distinct characteristics compared to Glock handguns that are available to private individuals. This would make it easier to determine whether the suspect used a private handgun or a government-issued firearm, he added, noting that Glock is a relatively new sidearm issued to law enforcers. He explained that Glock handguns that came into the country were all properly documented which would make them traceable. Cabral ruled out politics and work angles as the possible motives for the killing saying that Ravanilla had no known political enemies and that his role as member of the provincial board could not have generated him any adversary. He also cleared the victim from any involvement in the illegal drug trade. With this developments, the police are now looking into the personal activities and issues of the victim, the police director added. He, however, refused to give more details on this so as not to jeopardize the investigation. “I am confident we can solve this soon,” was all that he said. Ravanilla was shot dead as he was inspecting the repair of his building along Maharlika Highway in Brgy. Pangpang, this city. Based on the autopsy report, he suffered three gunshot wounds on the head which caused his immediate death. Ravanilla was a former member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of this city before getting elected as member of the provincial board.) Mediaworks Communication