P.7-M reward up for arrest of gunman in Laguna attack

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines – A P700,000-reward has been offered for the arrest of the gunman in an attack in Laguna that left a mayor wounded and two of his companions dead.

Calauan Mayor George Berris, who survived the attack, announced the bounty yesterday, said Inspector Roselle Orate, Laguna police spokesperson.

Orate said Berris believes politics was the motive for the attack.

Berris was about to enter his car after a meeting when an unidentified man opened fire. Berris’ driver Leonardo Taningco, 58, and Emmanuel Peña, a candidate for councilor, died at the scene.

Orate said Berris positively identified the gunman through the sketch released by a special task force created to investigate the attack.

Calauan was added to the list of election “areas of concern” following the incident.