Public’s help sought on spate of local execs slays

LEAVING NO STONES UNTURNED. The Philippine National Police is exhausting all efforts to uncover the truth and prosecute the culprits behind the spate of killings of local government officials (From left to right: Tanauan City, Batangas Mayor Antonio Halili; General Tinio, Nueva Ecija Mayor Ferdinand Bote; Trece Martires City, Cavite Vice Mayor Alexander Lubigan)

MANILA — Authorities are urging the public to work closely with the police for any leads into the recent spate of killings of local chief executives.

In a statement over the weekend, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar D. Albayalde said law enforcement agencies are set on resolving these incidents.

“We in the PNP are committed in getting to the bottom of this and have already tasked our special investigation task groups on the ground to conduct a thorough investigation. We will keep you posted as soon as developments arise,” Albayalde said.

“We likewise appeal for any information which may help us quickly solve these cases so that justice will be served to the victims and their families,” he added.

Vice Mayor Alexander Cruz Lubigan, 44, of Trece Martires City, Cavite and his driver Romulo Guillemer, 58, were the latest victims of the killings after they were shot dead by gunmen while traversing the Trece Martires-Indang Road onboard a black Toyota Hilux in Barangay Luciano Saturday.

On July 2, Tanauan City, Batangas Mayor Antonio Halili was shot by an unidentified gunman while attending the morning flag-raising rites at the city hall.

General Tinio, Nueva Ecija Mayor Ferdinand Bote was killed in an ambush in Cabanatuan City last July 3. (PNA)

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