Ex-cop in irrigation, peace officers’ slay nabbed

CAUAYAN, Isabela, Philippines — A retired police officer tagged as the brains in the murder of the chief of a local irrigators’ group and a village peace officer was arrested over the weekend in Santiago City in this province.

Former police major Danilo Buan was arrested based on warrants issued by Judge Michelle Ibarra Gumpal-Valdez of the Santiago City Regional Trial Court Branch 35.

Buan was accused of killing irrigators’ group president Melchor Bolante and peace officer Sonny Julian Sr., according to Capt. Hassan Nor Damac, acting chief of the Santiago City police station 4.

Records showed that Buan allegedly shot the victims due to a spat over the use of irrigation facilities.