Witnesses in town treasurer’s killing receive threats

SAN FERNANDO, La Union – Witnesses in the killing of the municipal treasurer of Bauang, La Union last Sept. 10 sought police assistance yesterday after reportedly getting threats to force them into backing out of the case.

Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Camp Diego Silang were sent to Bauang town yesterday to look into the matter because one of the witnesses has left her residence in Barangay Santiago where municipal treasurer Felicidad Picar was shot dead.

Senior Superintendent Marvin Bolabola, CIDG chief, told The STAR that they are now trying to identify those threatening the witnesses so necessary charges can be filed against them.

Bolabola said the witnesses, barangay officials and tanods, residents and even policemen have received threats to force them into withdrawing their statements.

“We are now validating the matter because it involves the safety of the witnesses. We are concerned about their security,” he said.

Bolabola said he has coordinated with the La Union and Bauang police to closely monitor the situation since Picar’s killing is one of the high-profile cases in the province.

Picar was gunned down while waiting for a ride to her work along the national highway.

The suspected triggerman, Rogelio Ordoña, was arrested in nearby Barangay Urayong barely two hours after the killing. Ordoña is believed to be a gun-for-hire.

Picar was vice chairman of the Bauang board of canvassers during the May 14 elections.

Police found out that Ordoña was also tagged in four other killings of teachers and political leaders.