CAMP DIEGO SILANG, La Union, Philippines — A man wanted for murder is the alleged gunman in the killing of Mayor Alexander Buquing of Sudipen, La Union.
The suspect was identified based on the affidavit of a witness, Chief Inspector Silverio Ordinando Jr., La Union police information officer, quoting the task force created to probe the killing said yesterday.
The suspect was not identified pending the result of an investigation.
Ordinando said 39 bullet shells for an Armalite and a 9mm pistol were recovered at the scene.
Buquing, his driver Bonifacio Depdepen and security aide Police Officer 2 Rolando Juanbe were killed in an ambush in Barangay Cadapli in Bangar town last Monday.
Buquing’s wife Vice Mayor Wendy Joy, who was wounded, had been released from a hospital.
Senior Superintendent Herminio Tadeo Jr., Ilocos police officer-in-charge, had earlier said they are looking at five persons of interest.
Tadeo said probers are looking at a grudge, politics and business as possible motives for the killing.
Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said the murder of Buquing is among the remaining cases involving gun attacks on local government executives which have yet to be resolved.
At least 18 mayors and vice mayors have been killed since President Duterte assumed office.