Police special task force to probe La Union mayor slay

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police on Tuesday formed a special task force to look into the brutal slay of Sudipen, La Union Mayor Alexander Buquing.

News5 reported that Director General Oscar Albayalde, police chief, vowed that the police would conduct a thorough investigation into the attack against Buquing, his wife and two aides on Monday night.

Albayalde was quoted as saying: “While we are saddened by this unfortunate incident, we would like to assure the families of the victims that we are committed in getting into the bottom of this case and have already tasked our special investigation task group on the ground to conduct a thorough investigation.”

Buquing was on his way home when their vehicle was rained down with bullets. Vice Mayor Wendy Joy Buquing, Police Officer 2 Rolando Juanbe and driver Boni Depdepen were also in the said vehicle.

READ: La Union mayor, 2 aides slain in ambush

The Sudipen mayor was rushed to Southern Ilocos Sur District Hospital but was declared dead on arrival. He suffered multiple gunshots to the head and body.

Juanbe died on the way to the hospital, while Depdepen passed away while undergoing treatment.

According to Chief Inspector Silverio Ordinando Jr., La Union police information officer, the victims were on their way to Barangay Castro, Sudipen when the assailants fired at them using an M-16 rifle.

Buquing is the 12th mayor to be killed under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Just last month, Ronda, Cebu Mayor Mariano Blanco III was killed inside his office. — Kristine Joy Patag