Land quarrel eyed as motive in reporter’s slay

BALANGA CITY, Philippines – The police are focusing into the internal rift among residents of a disputed parcel of land as the possible motive in the killing of reporter Nerlita Ledesma last Thursday.

The alleged internal struggle blew up when Ledesma was elected president of Tagnai Homeowners Association Inc. three years ago after acquiring a 100-square meter lot.

Ledesma reportedly was arranging with the National Housing Authority (NHA) to release the titles to the land of some 200 of its members.

Bataan police director Senior Superintendent Rodel Sermonia said they are focusing on the reported rivalry between two factions of the homeowners association occupying the five-hectare land owned by a certain Leonardo David.

He said investigators noted the number of homeowners who already paid for the lots they occupied and have filed complaints against Ledesma and David before the courts.

Ledesma, a reporter of Abante tabloid newspaper and local radio commentator, was shot and killed by unidentified gunmen near her residence in Barangay Tuyo on Thursday.

Ledesma, 47, was waiting for a ride to work when two men on a motorcycle approached and one of them drew a pistol and shot her at close range.

Police said Ledesma suffered four gunshot wounds and died on the spot.

Police teams were dispatched yesterday to verify reports that the suspected gunmen were roaming near the upland villages in the boundary of Balanga City and Abucay town.

The suspects were said to be former agricultural workers of Sitio Rafael in Barangay Tuyo several months ago.

Sermonia presented an artist sketch of one of the gunmen, who he believed is still hiding in the province.

“We have the name of the gunman, however we could not divulge his identity until we have arrested him,” Sermonia said.

Regional police director Chief Superintendent Ronald Santos ordered Sermonia to capture the gunmen alive to pin down the mastermind in the killing.

Bataan Gov. Albert Garcia has offered a P100,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest of the killers.

Bataan Rep. Enrique Garcia Jr., for his part, has expressed optimism that the police will resolve the murder of Ledesma.

The Nueva Ecija Press Club Inc. led by Steve Gosuico slammed the killing of Ledesma. – With Ric Sapnu, Manny Galvez