In the wake of village execs killing
TACLOBAN CITY – Authorities are offering a cash reward to individuals who would provide information leading to the identification of suspects involved in the killing of two barangay officials and one tanod member in Barangay Daja Diot, San Isidro town, Leyte .
The cash reward, amounting to P500,000, will be provided by the provincial government of Leyte, under the direction of Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla, and the Police Regional Office 8 Regional Director, B/Gen Reynaldo Pawid.
PCpt Hazel Vacal of the Leyte Police Provincial Office information office stated that the reward system was established because they believe the community possesses crucial information that could aid in bringing justice to the victims.
“We at Leyte PPO believe that there is someone who can provide information through the reward system. But we are not just relying on that because we are still conducting interviews with possible witnesses,” she said.
Vacal assured the public that the identity of the tipster and the information provided would be treated with confidentiality.
Vacal also mentioned that investigations are ongoing, with a Special Investigation Task Group formed to focus on solving the crime, determining the motive behind the killings, and identifying the suspects.
Those with information are urged to contact the San Isidro Municipal Police Station at mobile number 09985986513, and the Leyte PPO at 09052500030 or 0917-623-5593.
On February 24, unidentified gunmen shot and killed Daja Diot village officials Elizalde Tabon and village councilman Paulo Al Mendero, along with village watchman Rusty Salazar, while they were inside the village hall attending a meeting.
The incident drew condemnation from various officials in the 3rd district and the province of Leyte, including Rep. Anna Tuazon-Veloso and her sister, 3rd District Board Member Marie Kathryn Veloso-Kabigting, as well as San Isidro town Mayor Remedio Veloso.
In response to a series of shooting incidents in the 3rd district, particularly targeting village officials, law enforcement authorities in the respective municipal police stations have been placed on heightened alert, with additional troops deployed to augment government forces.
The military has also sent forces to the district to assist in peace and order and security measures, supporting the Philippine National Police in conducting checkpoints.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
