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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Personal, business angles eyed in killing of South Cotabato mayor

Personal, business angles eyed in killing of South Cotabato mayor

Published Jul 11, 2020 05:12 pm

SOUTH COTABATO - Police authorities are eyeing personal grudge as possible motive in the killing of Sto. Nino Mayor Pablo Matinong who was gunned down on Friday by motorcycle-riding suspects while inspecting a road construction project in Barangay Poblacion, Sto. Nino, South Cotabato.

Sto. Nino police chief Capt. Ian Bagut said investigators have already considered several persons of interest, who might have possible knowledge of the killing.

He said, two weeks before the killing, Matinong reported that there were two unidentified persons who barged into his family’s compound, but hurriedly left after their househelp confronted the supposed intruders.

He said Matinong has refused to avail of the services of police escorts to secure him.  

Aside from local politics, probers were also eyeing business rivalry as possible motive in the killing as the slain mayor was also engaged in the construction business.

“We’re looking at all possible angle as motive in the killing,” Bagut said.

Matinong was among the local officials, who was included in the narco-list of President Duterte that was bared in 2016.

Investigators have also taken a copy of the CCTV footage that recorded the two motorcycle-riding suspects leaving the crime scene.

This developed as political allies of Matinong called on authorities to expedite the investigation of the incident, and bring the perpetrators to justice.

South Cotabato Representative Ferdinand Hernandez said he was saddened by the tragic murder of Matinong, who he regarded as a hardworking public official that has made headway in the development of his town.

READ MORE: South Cotabato mayor shot dead

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