BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City – The family of Ernie Poral, a former barangay captain of Ingore in La Paz district, is calling for justice following his recent murder.
Poral was fatally shot at the public market in Barangay Baldoza, La Paz on August 5.
But who wanted Poral dead?
In a statement, the Poral family dropped some hints.
“It was a desperate plan by a group of powerful individuals who feared the truth that a principled man like my father could expose. This act has not only disrupted their plans but has also caused an irreplaceable loss to our family.”
Here’s the statement in full issued by Poral’s son Kian:
“I would like to take a moment to express my family’s belief that justice will soon be served for my late father, Ernie Poral, a man of integrity, and a man known for his unwavering values and principles that could never be bought.
“We are grateful to the Iloilo City government, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the media, for their relentless efforts in fast-tracking the resolution of the case.
“We strongly condemn the act of violence that took my father’s life. It was a desperate plan by a group of powerful individuals who feared the truth that a principled man like my father could expose. This act has not only disrupted their plans but has also caused an irreplaceable loss to our family.
“We remain steadfast and resolute in our trust in the justice system to bring the mastermind involved to account. We will not waver in our pursuit of justice.”
In a prompt response, local police apprehended suspect, Nilo Guardaya through a hot pursuit operation in Tigbauan, Iloilo just hours after the shooting.
Mat-mat, another of Poral’s children, confirmed the suspect’s identity, having noticed him shadowing his father days before the incident.
“I recognized his distinctive features when he removed his helmet,” he said, an assertion supported by video evidence and witness accounts.
On August 6, Guardaya was charged with murder, illegal possession of firearms, and violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act after tests confirmed drug use. Cops also found him with drug paraphernalia.
“Thank you for your continued support during this difficult time,” said Kian Poral./PN
