Police probe links of Resorts World gunman to slay of 2 men

MANILA -- Police authorities are investigating the possible links of Jessie Javier Carlos, the gunman behind the attack at Resorts World Manila, to the two men killed in Paco, Manila last June 1.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Oscar Albayalde said they have received reports that Carlos and the slain men, Elmer Mitra Jr. and Alvin Cruzin, know each other.

Albayalde said they are still verifying information that Carlos, Mitra and Cruzin were allegedly seen together the night before the attack at Resorts World that resulted in the deaths of 37 civilians.

"Malaki ang chances na before mangyari ang Resorts World Manila incident, ay magkakasama 'yung tatlo," he told DZMM.

"Ang hihintay na lang natin dito, 'yung CCTV na ibibigay sa atin ng Resorts World, 'yung the night before," he added.

The NCRPO chief said the two men were both shot inside a car, which turned over and hit a gutter. They were found dead after the incident.

He said a 9mm pistol was recovered from the crime scene. Police, however, have yet to give the results of the ballistic tests from the two victims.

Albayalde said the gunman and Cruzin are acquainted since the latter was a former police officer who became a casino financier. Mitra, meanwhile, he said, was a lawyer.

"Doon po sila nagsama... Marami tayong nakuhang information na talagang si Cruzin at Jessie ay magkasama sa negosyo sa pag-finance sa casino," he said.