The San Isidro mayor earlier slapped with murder charge by the CIDG
TACLOBAN CITY– A Leyte mayor and three others are facing a murder charge for a crime that took place in 2021 involving a supporter of a political rival.
Charged for murder were Mayor Remedio Veloso of San Isidro town together with his brother Emmanuel, Police Corporal Manuelito Sidaya, and Police Corporal Jhundy Lucero.
The murder complaint was filed by Lorraine De Veyra, sister of victim Audie Jesus De Veyra at the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Calubian, also in Leyte dated April 27.
The alleged incident took place on April 21, 2021 in Barangay Abanilla, Calubian town with the two police officers reportedly the gunmen.
In her complaint, De Veyra said that based on the testimonies of the witnesses, it was Mayor Veloso and his brother Emmanuel who ordered the two policemen to shot and killed her brother.
In her affidavit, De Veyra said that the wife of the victim chose not to file any case against the mayor for ‘fear’ of her life.
In the same document, obtained by the Leyte Samar Daily Express, she also said that it took her long to file the complaint as she also feared for her security and her family.
However, she is being ‘bothered’ by her conscience reason she decided to file the complaint and give justice on the death of her brother.
It was learned that her brother was a ‘strong supporter’ of Alan Ang, a former mayor of San Isidro whose wife, Susan, was defeated by Mayor Veloso by a single vote during the May 13, 2019 elections.
Veloso was earlier charged with murder involving Susan Ang’s administrator, Levi Mabini, which took place on May 8, 2019.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) filed a murder complaint against Veloso last March 21 of this year.
Mayor Veloso could not be contacted immediately but in a media interview on April 17, he dismissed the complaint filed against him saying it’s a political harassment instigated by his political rivals.
He, however, did not mention any names.
Mayor Veloso, in the same press conference, said that the case or cases filed against him started after his brother, Emmanuel, announced his intention to seek the congressional seat in the district.
At present, the district is represented by Ana Victoria Veloso Tuazon, daughter of former congressman Vicente Veloso.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
