Cagayan town mayor faces murder raps

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Mayor Matthew Nolasco of Gattaran town in Cagayan and six other persons have been charged with murder in connection with the killing of a businessman in Lal-lo on Dec. 5.

Nolasco, Joles Salvatierra, Mateo de Torres, Jofel Alipio and three other persons were tagged in the killing of Jefferson Torricer in a bar in Barangay Magapit.

Torricer, who was based in Penarubia, Abra, was on vacation with his relatives in Cagayan when he was allegedly shot by Nolasco following an argument at the Veranda Resto Bar.

Cagayan police director Col. Renel Sabaldica had earlier claimed witnesses did not identify Nolasco as among those present during the incident.

Nolasco could not be reached for comment as of last night.