'Chavit' behind businessman’s murder - Umali’s widow

The family of slain businessman Leonardo Umali has offered P10 million reward for those who can give information to solve the murder. In a GMA-7 interview, Vicky Umali, wife of the slain businessmen implicated Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit" Singson on the killing. “He has only one enemy … its Chavit." Mrs. Umali said the Singson family owned the security agency which Umali got into trouble last January 15, 2005 regarding the control of the parking lot in Pearl Drive, San Atonio village in Pasig City. Singsong in a separate interview denied any knowledge of Umali’s murder. Two unidentified men shot Umali at close range Thursday morning after he got off his bullet-proof Mercedez Benz at around 11 a.m. Mrs. Umali said, even before the issue on who has the control of the parking lot happened, her husband had a pending case against Singson’s business associates. The Umali family has already asked for police protection fearing a repeat of shooting incident. Senior Supt. Romeo Abaring, Pasig police chief, told GMA News that Umali's family asked for additional security pending the arrest of the suspects. "Nanghingi ang pamilya ng proteksyon mula sa pulis kasi parang natatakot sila," Abaring said. Police report said, Umali sustained four fatal wounds in the nape and head. Authorities released Thursday the artist’s sketch of three of the four suspects. Police investigators are now looking into three possible motives of the killing: Business rivalry; disputes for prime parking spaces in Pearl Drive, and a clash with former business partners. A witness to the shooting said Umali was already slumped on the pavement and was held by his wife when one of the suspects shot him in the head. Ernesto Ganton, Umali’s electrician, was shot by one of the suspects in the abdomen after trying to help the businessman. He was still being treated at Medical City in Ortigas as of posting time.-GMANews.TV