Prelate calls for thorough investigation on the killing of Calbayog mayor

Calbayog Bishop Isabelo Abarquez has called for a thorough investigation on the killing Mayor Ronald Aquino and his aides.

"The wheel of justice is the proper venue for resolution of any case," he said in a CBCP News post.

"We therefore call on the proper authorities to conduct a thorough and speedy investigation on the killing of Mayor Ronald Aquino, his driver and bodyguard and bring into the bar of justice the ones responsible," added Abarquez.

The prelate said they “condemned in strongest terms” the incident that left the city’s mayor, his driver and bodyguard dead.

Abarquez said the diocese “does not tolerate any form of repression especially through extrajudicial killings."

He also offered his condolences and prayers to the families of the victims.

The local official was attacked while on his way to a family resort within Calbayog to attend his son’s birthday party on Tuesday, March 8.

His security escorts were able to retaliate and killed two of the attackers, who happened to be policemen.

Aquino was serving his third and last term as Calbayog mayor. He replaced then mayor Reynaldo Uy, who was also killed in May 2011.