MANILA, Philippines - Police are checking if a suspected gun-for-hire arrested last Dec. 30 was involved in the ambuscade two days earlier in Dingras, Ilocos Norte that killed a Nacionalista Party (NP) female councilor bet and wounded eight others.
Superintendent Constante Azares Jr., Ilocos regional police director, ordered the Ilocos Norte police to conduct an in-depth investigation.
The suspected hit man, Isaac Casay, was arrested in Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte and a caliber 5.56 Baby Armalite rifle with a defaced serial number was found in his possession.
Azares said Casay is a principal suspect in two recent killings in Ilocos Norte.
“We will leave no stone unturned and do the best we can to neutralize lawless elements and give justice to the victims and their families,” he said.
On Dec. 28, ski mask-wearing men sprayed bullets on a four-vehicle convoy led by re-electionist provincial board member Robert Castro and barangay chairman Joeffrey Ponce Saguid, who is running for Dingras mayor under NP.
Killed in the ambush was barangay chairwoman Jo-en Caniete Diego. Castro, Saguid and six others were wounded.