PNP names alleged mastermind in Mayor Bote killing
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police on Monday has named the supposed central figure behind the killing of General Tinio, Nueva Ecija Mayor Ferdinand Bote.
PNP Director General Oscar Albayalde identified Christian Saquilabon, a contractor in the province, as the alleged mastermind in the murder of Bote two weeks ago.
Saquilabon was tagged by the alleged gunmen, who confessed to the crime.
Chief Superintendent Amador Corpus, Central Luzon police director, said a project called the Minalungao Tourism Convergence Zone appears to have been a factor in the killing of the town mayor.
Minalungao National Park, known for its limestone walls and clear water, is located in General Tinio and is one of the popular tourist destinations in the province.
Corpus added that Special Investigation Task Group Bote has identified five of the eight suspects—Saquilabon, and gunmen Florencio Suarez and Robert Gumacay, Arnold Gamboa and Jun Fajardo.
Suarez and Gumacay were arrested at a checkpoint in Del Gallego, Camarines Sur last week. Gamboa, on the other hand, surrendered to authorities.
Saquilabon, Fajardo and two unidentified gunmen are still at large.
Bote was gunned down last July 3 just after leaving the National Irrigation Administration office in Cabanatuan City.
He was killed a day after the slay of Tanauan City, Batangas Mayor Antonio Halili.
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