'Ex-hitman' says Parojinogs were behind killings, drugs, bank heists

A man claiming to be a former hitman of the Parojinog family on Thursday spoke out about supposed illegal activities of the clan, including bank robbery, illegal drug trade and even killings.

In a "24 Oras" report by Rida Reyes, the former Parojinog aide identified as "Ronald" narrated how the group of deceased Ozamiz City Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog were behind bank robberies.

"Marami na kaming na-robbery dito sa Maynila tapos umuwi na kami dito sa Mindanao. Dito namin pinagparte-partehan 'yung mga perang kinuha namin sa bangko... mga ilang milyon pero liit lang 'yung parte naming lahat," Ronald said, adding that he became part of the group when he was 17 years old.

"'Yung ibang kasamahan ko, bago mag-parte, may mga mamamatay din kasi bawal 'yung magreklamo ka kung ilan parte mo," he added.

Ronald's revelations come after a pre-dawn raid last Sunday led to the death of 16 individuals at the Parojinog home.

Among those killed were the Mayor Reynaldo; his wife, Susan; and his brother, Provincial Board Member Octavio Parojinog; and sister Mona.

Police said the Parojinogs' bodyguards shot at them, triggering an encounter.

Splinter group

Ronald said the Parojinog unit began as a "splinter group" of the Kuratong Baleleng, which began as an anti-communist group.

The self-confessed former hitman said it was Susan Parojinog who divvied up the money they earned from illegal drugs trade.

"Siya lang ang magproprotekta kasi mayor siya... bawal. Kaya, doon sa kay Ma'am Susan pupunta 'yung droga," he said.

Ronald admitted killing people who were against the Parojinogs.

"Ngayon pumatay ako lipas ng mga tatlo o dalawang araw, patay na naman. Pumatay na naman agad. Patayin din kami kapag 'di kami ano sa utos nila," Ronald said.

Ronald said he was earning P200,000 for every bank that they robbed while he was given P20,000 for killing individuals.

Sense of relief

When he learned about the raid against the Parojinogs, Ronald said, "Parang nabunutan kami ng tinik Ma'am... Panginoon na lang ang inasahan ko Ma'am sa pagbabago ko. Bigyan pa ko ng... kasi dami ng buhay ang inutang ko."

Relatives of the Parojinogs dismissed the allegations against their kin.

"Walang grupo ang Parojinog. Walang grupo, Ozamis group... wala 'yan. 'Yan ang totoo. Wala 'yan. Sa mga tao lang 'yan. Gawa-gawa lang nila," said Rizalina Francisco.

Francisco also sought justice for the killings of her loved ones, "Justice lang ang hinihingi ko."

The mayor's children, Vice Mayor Nova Princess and her brother Reynaldo Jr., have been brought to Camp Crame and are facing charges for violation of Section 11 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act (possession of dangerous drugs) and Section 21 of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act (acquisition or purchase and sale of firearms and ammunition).

They were also charged for violating Section 3-A of Republic Act 9516 or "unlawful manufacture, sales, acquisition, disposition, importation or possession of a part, ingredient, machinery, tool or instrument used or intended to be used for the manufacture, construction, assembly, delivery or detonation." —Anna Felicia Bajo/JST, GMA News