Alleged mastermind in failed assasination plot of Balamban official nabbed

Local

A VILLAGE councilor accused of allegedly masterminding the failed assasination of a fellow barangay official was arrested in Barangay Luca, Balamban town, Cebu on Saturday afternoon, March 28.

Carlo Ripdos Maunes, 39, was arrested during a police raid in his house.

A search warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 8 in Toledo City was used in the raid, which stemmed from reports that Maunes was keeping firearms in his house.

A .45 caliber pistol with four bullets and a hand grenade were recovered from Maunes’ house, police said.

Police said Maunes was pointed to as the one who allegedly ordered the killing of Renato Tribunalo on Feb. 18, 2026.

Tribunalo survived the attack but was wounded in the chest.

Maunes and Tribunalo both serve as councilors in Luca.

Police later arrested Robert Alcantara, 42, and Roger Doncillo 49, as suspects in the killing.

Alcantara was the alleged gunman while Doncillo drove the getaway motorcycle, police said.

The suspects later told the police that they were hired by Maunes to kill Tribunalo for P30,000 but were only paid P2,000.

Police said appropriate charges will be filed against Maunes.(CDB)