Cebu City Police Apprehend Suspected Hitman in Councilor's Slaying
In a significant breakthrough, authorities in Cebu City have successfully apprehended the alleged hitman believed to be responsible for the fatal shooting of Councilor Ramon Diamente from Barangay Sawang Calero. The arrest took place during a meticulously planned buy-bust operation conducted at 5:30 in the morning on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Sityo Almacin, Barangay Calamba, Cebu City.
Suspect Identified and Evidence Seized
The suspect has been identified as Gelven Mansanero, a 26-year-old resident of Lower Kawayan, Barangay Sambag 2, who is classified as a high-value individual by law enforcement. During the operation, police confiscated a sachet of suspected shabu weighing 60.06 grams, with an estimated street value of P408,408. In addition to the illegal drugs, authorities recovered a .45 caliber pistol along with its magazine and a single bullet from Mansanero.
Investigation Links Suspect to Murder Plot
According to Police Colonel George Ylanan, chief of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), a total of four suspects are implicated in the murder of Councilor Diamente, which occurred on January 3, 2026. Two of these individuals, JR Nabua alias Bunso and Antonio Pilapil, were previously arrested on January 10 and are currently detained at the Cebu City Jail. Following the capture of his accomplices, Mansanero was quickly identified as the alleged gunman based on testimonies and CCTV footage.
Police Colonel Ylanan revealed that Mansanero attempted to go into hiding after discovering that his victim was a barangay official. However, law enforcement persisted in monitoring his activities. The suspect was ultimately apprehended when he resumed selling illegal drugs. "We needed to lure him out of his hideout... through the efforts of Police Station 6, he was transacted for illegal drugs," explained Ylanan.
Confession and Motive Revealed
During interrogation, Mansanero confessed that he was hired to assassinate Councilor Diamente because the councilor was reportedly identified as a police asset, which led to the imprisonment of Mansanero's employer. Ylanan confirmed that Councilor Diamente was actively involved in anti-drug campaigns in Sawang Calero. Mansanero admitted to receiving a payment of P60,000 via e-wallet after committing the crime. He expressed shock upon learning that his target was a councilor, prompting him to demand an additional P30,000 as "tago-money" or hiding funds.
"I was just ordered, sir, he said that he was an asset. I also needed money, so I did it. When I found out he was a councilor, I was surprised... if I had known earlier, I wouldn't have done it," stated Mansanero, who also apologized to the victim's family.
Connection to Criminal Network
Further investigation uncovered that Mansanero is a member of a gun-for-hire group, with its leader allegedly being a drug lord currently incarcerated. This arrest marks a critical step in dismantling organized crime operations linked to violence and narcotics in the region.
