Arrest warrant out in slay of ex-Ilocos power co-op chief

MANILA, Philippines - The Batac City Regional Trial Court Branch 17 has issued a warrant for the arrest of the alleged masterminds in the killing of former Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) board president Lorenzo “Rey” Ruiz six years ago.

The warrant was issued on Aug. 28 against former Dingras town mayor Marinette Gamboa and Jonathan Bagamaspad, an INEC employee who got involved in an administrative case for malversation of the cooperative’s funds.

However, The STAR was informed yesterday that the court recalled the warrant due to a  motion for reconsideration filed by the suspects with the Office of the President.

The recall order is expected to be issued today.

Ruiz was shot dead on Sept. 4, 2009 by four motorcycle-riding assailants at an INEC substation in Lang-ayan, Currimao, Ilocos Norte.

He was on his way to attend a board meeting when he was killed.

The assailants were arrested and are detained at the Batac City jail.

Ruiz was the head of the highest earning cooperative in the province for five years. Many were reportedly eyeing his post for themselves.

The family and supporters of the victim expressed gratitude for the issuance of the warrant, describing it as a major breakthrough in the case.