Father of Ateneo gunman killed in Basilan
HOURS after he was indicted for multiple murders and frustrated double murder in connection with the deadly Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) gun attack last Sunday, the father of gunman Dr. Chao Tiao Yumol was shot dead by a still unidentified gunman in their native Lamitan City in Basilan.
The Yumol’s father Rolando, a 69-year-old retired officer of the defunct Philippine Constabulary (PC), was attacked by at least two unidentified suspects outside a store in Barangay Maligaya around 6:30 a.m. Friday.
He suffered several gunshot wounds in the body and was taken to the Lamitan District Hospital, where an attending physician declared him dead upon arrival.
Following the incident, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it was “premature” to link the Lamitan City attack to the crime the victim’s son committed.
“Sa ngayon, premature po tayo na mag-speculate po kung ito nga ay may kinalaman doon sa nangyaring pamamaril sa Ateneo dahil hanggang ngayon ay nangangalap pa po ng ebidensya iyong ating mga pulis po doon sa area,” said PNP spokesperson, Colonel Jean Fajardo.
The younger Yumol confessed to killing former Lamitan City Mayor Rosita Furigay, her executive assistant Victor Capistrano and Ateneo security guard Jeneven Bandiala last July 24 in an attack that marred the Ateneo College of Law graduation rites at the Ateneo campus.
Furigay’s daughter, Hannah Rose Marian, one of those about to graduate, and a mother of another graduating student were also seriously wounded in the attack.
Members of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) under Brig. Gen. Remus B. Medina arrested the fleeing suspect shortly after the incident. Recovered from his possession were two unlicensed guns.
The QCPD has filed additional charges for car theft, illegal possession of firearms under Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act of 2013, and malicious mischief against the suspect before the Quezon City Prosecutors Office.
