P.5 million reward up for Laguna village OIC killer’s arrest

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — A reward of P500,000 has been offered for information leading to the arrest of the killers of acting barangay captain Mario Jun Cogay in Barangay Canlubang in Calamba City.

Calamba Mayor Roseller Rizal offered the reward.

The Criminal Investigation and Detention Group (CIDG)-Calabarzon office is conducting a parallel investigation into the incident.

Cogay was shot in front of his house on Friday morning.

Maj. Nilo Morallos, CIDG-Calabarzon deputy chief, said a special investigating team created to look into the killing was tasked to coordinate with local authorities.

“The slain village chief is an elected government official. That’s why the case will be automatically investigated by the CIDG-Laguna,” Morallos said.

Probers are eyeing politics as the motive for the killing.

Cogay reportedly implemented a reshuffle of the committees of barangay council members and several employees when he was designated acting barangay captain.

He was appointed officer-in-charge pending the proclamation of the winning village chief, Larry Dimayuga, who is facing a disqualification case for premature campaigning.

Cogay had topped the elections as barangay council member in the Oct. 30 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Dimayuga along with the other barangay officials condemned the killing as they sought justice for Cogay.