Broadcaster, ex-vice mayor wanted for murder of CamSur town mayor surrender

A broadcaster and a former town official linked to the murder of Lupi, Camarines Sur Mayor Leo Raul Matamorosa in 2012 surrendered on Thursday, saying they wanted to prove their innocence.

 

Radio broadcaster Jufre Jo Osabal and his wife former Lupi town vice mayor Jocelyn Osabal, turned themselves in to the Naga City Regional Trial Court Branch 23, GMA Bicol reported Friday.

 

The two were among seven charged over Matamorosa's death on Oct. 27, 2012. Matamorosa was shot and seriously wounded in Naga City but eventually succumbed to his wounds.

 

Osabal said they decided to surrender to demonstrate their innocence.

 

"Inosente kami. Kaya kami pumunta rito sa court kasi gusto namin itong harapin. Hindi kami guilty kahit saan tayo umabot. Kaya sumuko kami sa court, naniniwala kami sa judicial system," he said.

 

He added he felt sad for his family and that the allegation could affect his credibility.

 

The couple was brought to Tinagis Penal Farm in Pili town, where they will be detained. The Osabals' lawyer Marion Escueta said they have filed an urgent motion for bail.

 

The court had issued arrest warrants two years after the prosecutor's office filed murder charges against seven suspects.

 

Investigation showed a gunman shot Matamorosa in front of an appliance center in Naga City. The mayor was hit in the nape.

 

The gunman was eventually identified as Wilfredo Sasota, allegedly a member of a gun-for-hire group. Also charged were Barangay Bulawan kagawad Eure Terceno, and the Osabals' driver David Osea.

 

Osabal and his wife were linked to the case after it was learned that they owned the vehicle used by the gunman and his companions. — Joel Locsin/JDS, GMA News