Laguna mayor’s son probed on gunslaying

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is probing the alleged involvement of a son of the mayor of Sta. Maria, Laguna in the gunslaying of a balikbayan neighbor two weeks ago.

NBI probers said at least three witnesses have pinpointed 20-year-old Jason Cuento, son of Mayor Joel Cuento, as the one who allegedly shot Barry Angelo Vergara last Oct. 15.

NBI agent Federico Criste said the shooting happened in the Vergaras’ compound in Barangay Bagong Pook, Sta. Maria town where the victim and his friends were engaged in a drinking bout to celebrate his return from California, USA.

Criste said Vergara went out of the compound to invite another neighbor and buy pulutan when the gunman, who covered his face with a towel and was riding a motorcycle, arrived.

Witnesses said Vergara tried to run, but the gunman, taking a good aim at him by removing the towel from his face, lost no time in peppering him with bullets.

Criste said at least three witnesses saw the gunman’s face when he took off the towel. Other witnesses said they were familiar with the motorcycle, he added.

Quoting witnesses, NBI probers said the gunslaying apparently involved a love angle.