Prime suspect in cop's killing denies allegation

Leonardo "Jun" Manto Jr., the alleged prime suspect in the killing of Police Captain Joel Deiparine, denied the allegations hurled against him and expressed his intention to surrender to the authorities.

- 

Johnrey Goc-ong Manto, 41, a barangay tanod of Sudlon 2, Cebu City, surrendered to City Councilor Dave Tumulak after he was implicated in the killing of Police Captain Joel Deiparine during an alleged shootout over the weekend. ROMEO D. MARANTAL.

(ROMEO D. MARANTAL)

In an exclusive phone interview with Atty. Ruphil Bañoc on DyHP radio yesterday afternoon, Manto said that when he arrived at his animal feed store in Sitio Balaw, Barangay Sudlon 2, Cebu City on board his pickup truck, he was allegedly shot at by unknown people who were following them.

Manto said he did not initially believe the people he encountered were police officers. Manto said he thought the gunmen were among the shooters in Toledo City. He said the shooters were wearing bonnets and were riding a motorcycle without a license plate.

"Wa gyud ko magtuo nga mga pulis to. Kay kung kabaw pa ko mga pulis to, di to maingon ato mahitabo oy," he said.

Manto, 42, said that he fired back at the unknown men out of self-defense. He said he chased them and managed to hit the backrider in the leg and in the head.