P.5 million reward up for info on village chief’s killers

MANGALDAN, Pangasinan, Philippines — A reward of P500,000 has been offered for information leading to the arrest of those behind the killing of the reelected village chief of Barangay Poblacion in this town on Thursday night.

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos offered the reward as he appealed to the public to help get justice for Melinda Morillo.

Morillo, 60, was driving her sport utility vehicle when she was shot by motorcycle-riding men in Barangay Tebag.

“Your support is a clear stand and statement against criminals that we will never condone these senseless killings in our country,” Abalos said.

He said he hopes the reward would help identify and prosecute the killers immediately.

Abalos said violence has no place in the Marcos administration even as he vowed justice for the family of Morillo.

Abalos visited the wake of Morillo on Friday night.

He said the killing of Morillo is an isolated incident.

“While this is an isolated incident, I remind other punong barangays and our local officials to promptly report to the local police any concerns regarding their safety," Abalos said.

A special investigation task group created to look into the killing is headed by Pangasinan police director Col. Jeff Fanged.

Morillo, 60, was driving her sport utility vehicle when she was shot by motorcycle-riding men in Barangay Tebag.

She was declared dead on arrival at the Region 1 Medical Center in Dagupan City.