LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – Police nabbed two suspects in the murder of a candidate for councilor in Barangay Maingaran, Masbate City, Masbate on Monday, October 23.
The incumbent chairman of Barangay Maingaran, Joseph Martinez, 59, was wounded in the incident.
READ: https://mb.com.ph/2023/10/23/bske-bet-shot-dead-in-masbate-city
Police Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib, Police Regional Office-5 spokesperson, said two suspects were arrested by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and Masbate Police Provincial Office and the third suspect surrendered to the Masbate City Police Station (MCPS).
However, Calubaquib did not identify these suspects in the killing of the victim 44-year-old Juvy Pintor.
Bicol police director Police Brig. Gen Westrimundo Obinque has ordered a comprehensive manhunt operation against the five remaining suspects at-large.
Pinot was shot dead on Sunday afternoon, October 22, when suspects Albert Aganan, alias "Pandak," and Ruel Inopia, alias "Bislong," fired at the victims during an altercation between the group of reelectionist Martinez and the group of Dolores Inopia, who is also running for captain in Barangay Maingaran in the wake of the victims' neighbor.
Police identified the other suspects as Bongbong Aganan, Eddie Badilla, Friday Z. Inopia, Iraq Leo Andaya, Angelo Amaro de Jesus, and Allan S. Amaro.
Recovered from the crime scene are two cartridge casings from a caliber .45 pistol.
“The Masbate Police Provincial Office is actively preparing the necessary legal actions against the suspects and continues to conduct the manhunt operation to ensure their apprehension,” Calubaquib said.
“Obinque calls upon the public to cooperate and provide any relevant information related to the incident. He also extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and assures the community that every possible effort will be made to ensure justice is served,” she added.
“Furthermore, Obinque reminds the public of the ongoing gun ban currently in effect and emphasizes that those found guilty of violating this ban will face appropriate consequences. He underlines the unwavering commitment of the Bicol police force to maintain law and order, especially as the election approaches, and stresses zero tolerance for any attempts to disrupt the peace and security in the community."