Charges filed vs mayor’s gunman

LAOAG CITY, Philippines – Frustrated murder charges have been filed against the suspected triggerman in the attempt on the life of the mayor of Marcos town in Ilocos Norte.

Superintendent Jeffrey Gorospe, Ilocos Norte police spokesman, yesterday said the suspected hit man, Jofel Reton, is now detained at the Cabugao police jail after he was positively identified by Marcos Mayor Salvador Pillos and several witnesses.

Pillos was shot by two motorcycle-riding men last Feb. 4 while inspecting a project in his town.

Senior Superintendent Gerardo Ratuita, provincial police director, said Reton belongs to the Cinco gun-for-hire group operating in the Ilocos region.

Reton is also facing a murder case in Ilocos Sur and his house in Barangay Turod Patac, Cabugao town reportedly yielded explosives during a police raid.