Quezon PNP forms task force to hunt down ex-mayor's killers

LUCENA CITY , Philippines   – The Quezon provincial police has formed a task force to hunt down the perpetrators in the daring attack and killing of former Candelaria mayor David Emralino in front of a local church Sunday morning.

Senior Superintendent Elmo Francis Sarona, Quezon police provincial director, said that Task Force Emralino, composed of the provincial police, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, the Scene of the Crime Operatives, the intelligence unit, and the Candelaria police, are tasked to conduct “deeper investigation” into the case.

“The task force will leave no stone unturned until the perpetrators will be identified and charged,” Sarona said.

Emralino, with bodyguards Freddie Acebron and Ramil Casilag, was in front of the San Pedro Bautista church in Candelaria to witness the installation of officials of the Knight of Columbus after attending a Mass when attacked by at least eight heavily armed men at around 10:30 a.m. Emralino sustained multiple bullet wounds in different parts of the body. He died while being treated at the Doctor’s Hospital of Lucena City. His two aides, who were also wounded, are still confined at the Peter Paul Hospital.

Police said the suspects fled in red and silver gray getaway vehicles.

Recovered from the crime scene were several shells for .45 caliber pistol and M-16 Armalite rifle.

Emralino, during a meeting Saturday, told The STAR that he was expecting a “favorable court decision” on an election case he filed against incumbent Candelaria Mayor Ferdinand Maliwanag. He said that his supporters were already preparing for a grand celebration.

The ex-mayor also said that the Supreme Court originally slated to decide the case on July 22 but it was moved to Aug. 3. – With Ed Amoroso