Ex-Zamboanga mayor charged for NAIA slay

MANILA, Philippines - Charges of multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder were filed yesterday against former Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur mayor Wilson “Kitty” Nandang in connection with the killing of Mayor Ukol Talumpa at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 last year.

The charges were filed before the Pasay City prosecutor’s office by the Task Force Talumpa, according to Senior Superintendent Florencio Ortilla, chief of the Pasay City police.

Ortilla refused to say if police identified Nandang as the alleged mastermind in the killing of Talumpa.

On Dec. 27, 2013, the task force filed charges of multiple murder against the alleged gunman, Marrox Amlong and two other unidentified assailants.

Talumpa, his wife Leah, nephew Saripudin and 18-month-old Phil Thomas Lirazan were killed in the attack that occurred at the NAIA’s arrival area on Dec. 20, 2013.

Police have yet to arrest Amlong and Nandang.

Earlier, Chief Inspector Joey Gofort, chief of the Pasay City police investigation office said Nandang has not been removed from the list of suspects as the gunman, Amlong, was identified as one of his security escorts.

Gofort confirmed that one of Talumpa’s escorts at the NAIA told investigators he heard the gunman say, “Mayor, mayor, para kay Kitty Nandang ito (this is for Kitty Nandang),” shortly before shooting at the victim. Five other people were wounded in the attack.

Talumpa’s daughter, Rayam, believes that her father was killed due to politics and his fight against illegal drugs in Labangan.