The City PNP have said that they are closing in on some possible suspects behind the gruesome murder of the manager of Southern Star bus company about a month ago. City Police Chief Col. Jovito Atanacio told media that the CCTV footage and testimonies of credible witnesses have helped the police identify the identities of the suspects who murdered Hipolito "Dodong" Malbacias Labastilla, Southern Star manager. Labastilla was shot to death by unknown assailants on February 22 in broad daylight when the victim was standing near his residence at Capitol Site, this city. “Our reports have indicated that the gunmen were seasoned hired killers,” Atanacio said. But Atanacio cannot yet pinpoint the motive of Labastilla's killing, although he cited possible business rivalry in the bus industry as an angle worth looking into.

Atanacio said he still has no leads regarding the mastermind of the murder. He said that there are already witnesses who are willing to help the police zero in the identity of the suspects. “We plan to apply for a safety protection program with the DOJ to ensure the safety of our witnesses,” Atanacio said. Cash rewards coming from the Southern Star management will be given each to witnesses, who could positively identify the profile of the criminals. Atanacio said Southern Star management has committed itself to give a P100,000 reward to anyone who can help authorities solve this celebrated crime.