Resuello suspect denies role in killing

The suspected gunman in the murder of San Carlos City mayor Julian Resuello has denied playing any role in the incident, QTV television's Balitanghali reported Monday. Angelito Soriano, whom police arrested last week, insisted he did not take part in the shooting incident where Resuello was badly wounded and eventually died. "They are blaming me for something I did not do, that I shot dead the mayor's bodyguard," he said. Soriano is now in the custody of the local police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) based in Lingayen town in Pangasinan. He was being treated at a hospital in Pangasinan for gunshot wounds in the left foot and left hand when he was arrested. Police are still looking for another gunman, initially identified as Cesar de Guzman. The QTV report said Soriano had tested positive in a paraffin test, and that a police officer who responded to last weekend's incident had identified him. Earlier, the Philippine National Police (PNP) assured the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) it is respecting the human rights of Soriano. SunStar Pangasinan reported Monday that Chief Superintendent Leopoldo Bataoil, Ilocos regional commander, gave the assurance Sunday after the CHR sent a three-member team to check on the condition of Soriano. However, acting Mayor Julier "Ayoy" Resuello, the victim's son, criticized the CHR for allegedly providing legal aid to Soriano even if the suspect did not ask for it. "Could it be that this is because the head of the Commission on Human Rights is Bebong (Wilhelm) Soriano?" he asked. Julier said CHR's Soriano is a brother of Gallant and Douglas Soriano, his family's political rivals in San Carlos City. He noted Douglas is challenging him for the mayoralty seat in the May 14 election. On the other hand, he said De Guzman was Gallant's classmate in a law school, though he did not say if lawyer de Guzman was related to another suspect in the murder, Cesar de Guzman. Bataoil told the CHR team composed of Mildred Lubrera, Omar Cacho and Ferdinand Quedado that Soriano was given a lawyer of his choice, Antonio de Guzman. CIDG Provincial Director Manuel Velasco revealed that Cesar de Guzman, a.k.a. Kabesa, was allegedly connected with the Sorianos. - GMANews.TV