BY JEN BAYLON
ILOILO City – The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) has denied any alleged connections between the authorities and the brutal murder and dismemberment of Kristopher Cabalquinto, whose remains were found in Barangay Buhang in Jaro district, Barangay Ticud in La Paz district, and Barangay Quezon in Arevalo district.
Speculations about the possibility of police involvement arose due to the disturbing messages that were found along with Kristopher’s body parts.
On the cardboard found with the decapitated body of the victim were the words “Ibabalik ang Kamay na Bakal. Babala sa mga pusher. Merry Christmas 2023,” as well as “Babala sa mga adik. Ibabalik ang Kamay na Bakal. PDU30” which was with the mutilated head.
“ICPO has nothing to do with this gruesome, criminal act,” Colonel Joeresty Coronica, city police director, said.
Furthermore, the ICPO’s intelligence unit has verified that Kristopher’s illegal drug trade operation was not in Iloilo City, but in other locations they have yet to determine.
Illegal drug involvement is one of the two possible motives the ICPO is looking at in the killing, the other being a crime of passion.
Man on Viral Video Not Kristopher
The family and the city police have clarified that the person seen in a viral video is not Kristopher.
The gruesome video of a man being held down and cut in the neck has been circulating on various social media platforms.
According to Major Eduardo Siacon, head of Jaro police station and designated lead investigator on the case, the verification from the family is crucial to the ongoing investigation.
The Cabalquinto family asserted that Kristopher did not own the blue shorts the man wore in the video.
Further, the police advise the public to exercise caution in consuming and validating online data before drawing conclusions.
As investigations continue, the police are urging witnesses and anyone with relevant information to come forward to assist in the pursuit of justice for the victim./PN