Alleged contract killer tagged in Tondo kagawad’s slay

MANILA, Philippines — Police are looking into the involvement of a suspected member of a gun-for-hire group, earlier arrested in Tondo, Manila, in the killing of a barangay councilor last year.

Patrick Arranchado, a member of the Bahala Na Gang, was arrested on Jan. 7 by police hours after allegedly shooting Randy Flores in Parola Compound.

Senior Police Officer 4 Jerry Campo said the shooting was related to illegal drugs.

Police recovered from Arranchado his cell phone, which bore messages supposedly from someone in New Bilibid Prison ordering him to kill certain persons, Campo said.

Police are looking into Arranchado’s involvement in the killing of kagawad Ana Patricia Regular in the barangay hall on Dec. 29 last year, Campo said. Arranchado has denied the allegation.

Arranchado is alleged to be the driver of the getaway vehicle used by the gunman to escape after killing Regular, Campo said. The gunman remains at large.

An ABS-CBN report quoted Arranchado as saying that he was ordered to kill for P30,000 per person.