Politics eyed in activist's killing

MANILA, Philippines - Politics is being eyed as a possible motive in Monday’s killing of an Aklan municipal councilor and coordinator of the militant group Bayan Muna.

Thus said Senior Superintendent Agrimero Cruz, spokesman of the Philippine National Police, as he announced that a special team would probe the attack on Fernando Baldomero, Aklan provincial chairman of Bayan Muna, who was shot dead in front of his house in Barangay Estancia, Kalibo town.

Chief Superintendent Samuel Pagdilao Jr., Western Visayas police director, said Senior Superintendent Epifanio Bragais Jr., Aklan police director, heads the probe team.

Although politics was mentioned as a possible motive, Pagdilao said Bragais’ team is looking at all angles in the killing of Baldomero, the first involving an elected official and an activist under the administration of President Aquino.

"I will closely monitor the investigation and see to it that we get results the soonest possible time," Pagdilao said.

Earlier, PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa said he would propose the creation of a commission that would help come up with proactive measures in preventing attacks on journalists and militants.