The principal suspect in the Aug. 10 massacre in Sta. Catalina, Oriental Negros, was killed Thursday in an encounter with pursuing operatives in Sitio Dobdob, Barangay Poblacion, in the town.

Dante Sienes Obaniana was shot by lawmen when he allegedly fired at the police operatives, prompting them to fire back with M-16 rifles.

Joint operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group headed by Sr. Inspector Germano Mallari, Sta. Catalina Police led by Insp. Alvin Gumacal, and the 1st company of the 705th RMG, had scoured the sugarcane field in the place to serve the warrant of arrest to Obaniana.

Police brought Obaniana to the Bayawan City District Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Recovered from the encounter scene were the 12-gauge shotgun of the suspect loaded with four ammunition, 53 ammunition for a 12-gauge shotgun placed in a small bag, a live hand grenade, a hunting knife, and his "anting-anting (amulet)."

Obaniana had been charged for the murder of his elder brother, Alfred, his nephew Elvin Brian Obaniana, and neighbor Cornelia Espanya on Aug. 10, due to a land conflict.

The suspect also wounded his sister-in-law Gloria Obaniana and another nephew identified as Reggie.

More than three weeks ago, Obaniana engaged the Sta. Catalina police in a shootout, but he was able to elude arrest.

He has reportedly sent feelers to join the underground movement.

Meanwhile, in Dumaguete City, a P100,000 reward money will be given to whoever can give information that can lead to the arrest of the gunman or the mastermind, in the shooting and wounding of businessman Conrado Cabauatan.

Sr. Insp. Germano Mallari, who coordinated with the city police in its investigation, confirmed the monetary reward offer.

Mallari said the reward money will come from the Cabauatan family.

The victim survived the second attempt on his life while on his way to his home at Mango Avenue, Piapi.

The first attempt in February 2004 has remained unsolved. A cartographic sketch of the face of the suspect has been made based on descriptions given by witnesses.*JG

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