Slain La Union mayor not on 'narco-list', PNP says

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police said on Tuesday that Sudipen (La Union) Mayor Alexander Buquing is not in the government’s narco-list.

Buquing was ambushed on Monday night while he was on his way home to Sudipen, La Union. More than 10 local executives have been killed during the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, who vowed to ruthlessly rid the country of illegal drugs.

But police clarified that the slain Sudipen mayor is not included in the list of government officials suspected of involvement in drugs.

“Definitely, he was not in the narco-list, based on the report submitted by [Police Regional Office 1],” Senior Superintendent Benigno Durana Jr. said in a press conference.

Buquing was with his wife, Vice Mayor Wendy Joy Buquing, and driver Boni Depdepen. Also with them in the vehicle was Police Officer 2 Rolando Juanbe.

Durana also clarified that Juanbe is not Buquing’s police aide as the cop just hitched a ride with the mayor going back to Sudipen.

Police look for motive

He said that the police are looking into all possible angles to determine the motive of the crime, including politics, personal or business rivalry.

The police spokesperson however said that they have yet to ask the mayor’s wife if they received threats before the ambush, as they are giving the family time to grieve.

Durana stressed that they will be giving enhanced security protection to the vice mayor, especially since she is a possible witness in the incident.

The Malacañang also condemned the killing of Buquing.

Director General Oscar Albayalde, police chief, vowed that the police would conduct a thorough investigation into the attack on Buquing.

“While we are saddened by this unfortunate incident, we would like to assure the families of the victims that we are committed in getting into the bottom of this case and have already tasked our special investigation task group on the ground to conduct a thorough investigation,” he said. — Kristine Joy Patag