Drug angle eyed in slay of ex-Cebu barangay executive

CEBU — Investigators from the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF) are now looking into a drug angle in the killing of a former barangay chairman in Danao City early last week.

PAOCTF-Visayas chief Teofilo Viña said the investigation will not focus on speculations that the killing of Eutequiano Hermita, an ally of former Rep. Ramon "Nito" Durano III, was politically motivated.

Although Hermita was not involved in illegal drug activities, Viña said it is possible that his assassins are.

Viña said the two armed men who picked up Hermita from his daughter’s house last Dec. 5 could have been hired killers.

Viña sent more PAOCTF investigators to Danao City the other day to gather the testimony of witnesses who were reportedly hesitant to cooperate in the investigation for fear of reprisals.

Hermita’s body, which bore five gunshot wounds, was found in the hinterland barangay of Tuburan Sur.

"We already have some witnesses but all of them gave no concrete details of the armed men’s identities," said PAOCTF investigation chief Romulo Manapsal.

Manapsal said the PAOCTF is still conducting a background check on Hermita to explore all possible angles of his death.

Durano earlier called on the PAOCTF to immediately investigate the case and claimed the killing was politically motivated.

Durano is set to challenge the mayoralty bid of his nephew, Association of Barangay Councils president Ramon "Monching" Durano V, in next year’s elections.

Nito’s older brother, incumbent Mayor Jesus "Don" Durano, is serving his last term and is reportedly eyeing the city’s vice mayoralty seat. — Freeman News Service