Cops identify gunman in killing of San Carlos mayor

Police said they have established the identity of one of the suspects in the gunslaying of San Carlos City, Pangasinan Mayor Julian Resuello and his security aide.

Police released an artist’s sketch of the suspect, based on descriptions by a male witness.

The suspect, identified only as Cabeza, was described as about 40 to 45 years old, 5’3" to 5’4" in height, dark-skinned, medium-built, and with short curly hair.

"We have good developments in the case and we hope to solve it immediately because we already identified the suspect. We are following positive leads which could also reveal the identity of the other gunman," Senior Superintendent Marvin Bolabola, head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Ilocos, said.

He said there might be four suspects in the shootings, with the other two acting as backups. Police formed the Task Force Resuello, headed by Supt. Manuel Velasco, to handle the investigation.

The murders took place in a crowded gymnasium during a fiesta celebration last Saturday. Resuello was shot and wounded as he was shaking hands with supporters. His security aide was killed instantly while the wounded mayor was brought to a nearby hospital and later airlifted to St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City where he died Monday morning. Seven people, including a nine-year-old girl, were hurt in the attack.

The incident prompted the Commission on Elections to put San Carlos City under its control.

Chief Supt. Leopoldo Bataoil, Region 1 director, said that aside from political motive, investigators are also examining other angles including the late mayor’s zealous campaign against cattle rustlers.

"For the meantime, work sheet of the Scene of Crime Operation had been obtained and the result of the examination will be incorporated for a deeper investigation of the crime," Bataoil said. "We will do our best to solve the killing sooner than expected," he added. He said concerned San Carlos City residents are offering P300,000 reward to anyone who can arrest or provide information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects in the attack.

Meanwhile, Resuello’s remains arrived in San Carlos City yesterday amid calls for a speedy resolution of the case from the late mayor’s family and supporters.

Resuello’s son Julier, the incumbent vice mayor who is now running for mayor, said he will continue his father’s legacy.

"Let’s continue the fight. Let’s make sure that our beloved father gets justice," the young Resuello told thousands of supporters who witnessed the arrival of the slain mayor’s remains.

The young Resuello’s rival for the mayoralty post, Douglas Soriano, sent a message of condolence to the Resuellos.

"My family and I are deeply saddened by the death of Mayor Julian Resuello. We are shocked that violence such as this could still happen in our midst despite everybody’s effort to maintain peace and order in our city amidst our preparations for the coming elections," Soriano said in a statement.

"I consider this incident an assault on our democratic system. Violence has no place in a civilized society, much less during an electoral campaign and when the victims include an official of our city government," he added.

"We urge our authorities to ensure speedy investigation of this incident. Justice must be meted out to reconfirm our citizenry’s trust in our law enforcement system."

The slain mayor was running for vice mayor against Harry Cagampan who was incidentally his former vice mayor in his previous terms. The three-term mayor was no longer allowed to seek another term, based on election rules. – With Jun Elias, Eva Visperas