Suspect in slay of Rizal councilor, wife killed

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines – The principal suspect in the killing of Teresa, Rizal Councilor John San Jose and his wife Ma. Theresa last May was killed in an alleged encounter with police operatives on Tuesday.

Senior Superintendent Albert Ocon, Rizal police director, withheld the identity of the fatality so as not to jeopardize pursuit operations for the other suspects.

Ocon said the suspect and his companion were riding a motorcycle when they encountered a police checkpoint along Teresa road.

Instead of pulling over, Ocon said the suspect opened fire, triggering a shootout.

He said a piece of paper containing the names of local officials, including San Jose, and their photos was recovered from the wallet of the fatality. “He was a contract killer and involved in a series of killings in Rizal,” Ocon said.

San Jose and his wife were on their way to attend the graduation of their daughter Jaydee Ansherina, 20, at the Rizal Technological University in Mandaluyong City when they were waylaid.  Jaydee was unhurt.

Witnesses said the assailants, who were on two motorcycles, positioned themselves on both sides of the vehicle and opened fire.