Probers eye politics in Pasay village chief's murder

MANILA, Philippines - Pasay police investigators ruled out yesterday the involvement of an illegal drug syndicate in the killing of Barangay 185 chairman Rolando Tambagan and are focusing on politics as a possible motive.

City police chief Senior Superintendent Napoleon Cuaton said investigators, led by Chief Inspector Raymund Liguden, checked Tambagan’s cell phone and laptop and found new leads on his suspected killers.

Tambagan was shot dead while he was having supper with his family in his house along Higgins street. Cuaton said they have launched a manhunt for Tambagan’s killers.

Meanwhile, Mayor Antonino Calixto presented yesterday a suspect in the April 27 slay attempt on another barangay chairman Jethro Balais of Barangay 37 Zone 3.

Calixto said John Ralph Lacsama, 20, a resident of Libertad street, was charged with frustrated murder before the city prosecutor’s office after witnesses identified him as the same man who was chased by barangay watchmen after the shooting.

Police said Balais was shot twice at around 10:30 p.m. near the barangay hall along Leveriza street. The incident was caught on video by a surveillance camera, and witnesses identified Lacsama as the gunman.

The victim was brought to a nearby hospital, where is recovering from his wounds.