Suspect in Cagayan priest’s slay identified

TUGUEGARAO, Cagayan, Philippines — An alleged gun-for-hire wanted for kiling a village councilman in Pamplona, Cagayan was also tagged in the gun attack that killed Catholic priest Mark Anthony Ventura in Gattaran on April 29.

Charges are being readied against Arthymus Reynon, Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde, said yesterday.

Probers said witnesses identified Reynon as among those who sought refuge at a house in Baggao town after Ventura was gunned down.

Reynon and three other persons were indicted for the killing of Edmund Ifurung, councilman of Barangay Cabbagan at a gas station in 2015. The victim is the brother of former Pamplona vice mayor Edwin Ifurung.

Police records show that Reynon was involved in the assassination of politicians.

Citing the ongoing investigation into the killing of Ventura, Albayalde said a love triangle or the priest’s environmental advocacies could be the motive.

Last month, President Duterte said Ventura could have been killed because of his illicit affairs with the wives of a politician, a police officer, a military man and a businessman.

Motorcycle-riding men shot Ventura, 36, after celebrating mass in a gymnasium in Barangay Piña West.