6 held for slay of OFW ‘loan shark’ in Saudi

Police in Saudi Arabia have taken into custody at least six Filipinos linked to the killing of a suspected Filipino loan shark in Tabuk City last week. Online news site, Arab News, on Sunday reported that police are questioning the six over the killing of Manolito Ocreto, who was found dead in his room last Sept. 12. “We have a number of people in custody and are making sufficient progress in our investigation," said the officer, who asked not to be named. He said those under investigation were people whose names appeared on Ocreto’s business list and whose ATM cards were found in his possession. The Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah cited reports from its coordinators that those under investigation are Filipinos working at the King Abdul Aziz Military City (KAMC) in Tabuk. It added Ocreto’s address in the Philippines is 159 San Vicente St., San Pedro in Laguna province. Some Filipino nationals discovered Ocreto’s lifeless body inside his room last Sept. 12. Citing an autopsy report, the police officer said Ocreto died from multiple stab wounds in his torso. He said this also showed his killing was planned. Consul General Pendosina Lomondot said 13 persons were initially held for investigation but seven were cleared and released as of Sept. 18. Lomondot cited reports reaching the consulate as saying that Ocreto was known to be a moneylender and that police found in his possession ATM cards belonging to other people. The 56-year-old Ocreto, a.k.a. Ka Popoy, reportedly demanded ATM cards of borrowers as guarantee for payment. The cardholders were among those being questioned. Lomondot said Ocreto was last seen alive on the night of Sept. 9 at his apartment inside the military city. But Ocreto failed to report to work since Sept. 10. Concerned colleagues reported his absence to camp officials, who then ordered Ocreto’s room to be forcibly opened on Sept. 12. Police said Ocreto’s body was found covered with a blanket. - GMANews.TV