Police face blank wall on attempt to kill Cordova councilor

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Provincial Police Office director Jesus Gaquing yesterday said they are still conducting thorough investigation into the attempt on Cordova town councilor’s life.

Gaquing has confirmed that councilor Victor Tago Jr., 37, was the real target of the killer. He added the police is willing to give the councilor security details if needed.  

In an interview, the CPPO head said he instructed the chief of police of Cordova town to conduct thorough investigation into the matter and gather more information from the suspect, who was identified as Dominggo Balacos, 50, who hails from Sitio Sto. Niño, Barangay Kulambogan, Lanao del Norte.

Tago told the police officers that he doesn’t personally know the suspect.

Gaquing said he also ordered Cordova police to track down the two other companions of Balacos, who were able to elude arrest, if they are still not able to leave Cebu.

It was reported earlier that Tago, along with other officials of Cordova and some friends were watching a fiesta activity dubbed “Acoustics at the Kiosk” at the town public plaza at past 11 p.m. Saturday when a man suddenly appeared and aimed a .45 pistol at the back of his head

When he heard the click as the gunman pulled the trigger, Tago turned around and managed to grab the gun. The councilor’s friend, Jesser Pogoy, assisted him to grab the gun and they both managed to subdue the suspect. 

Cordova Police Station chief Felix Pacaldo has confirmed that Balacos is a hired killer, as admitted by the latter during the interrogation after his arrest.

Balacos allegedly admitted he was sent by a man who promised him work if he could kill Tago. But he added that he could not identify the man who he transacted.

Pacaldo believes the attack could be related to the marine product export business of the councilor. — Gabriel C. Bonjoc/WAB   (THE FREEMAN)