MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde on Monday debunked insinuations linking Quezon City Vice Mayor and mayoralty candidate Joy Belmonte to the murder of Barangay Bagong Silangan chairwoman Criselle Beltran in January.
“I think our investigators do not see that angle,” he said in an interview at the PNP headquarters at Camp Crame.
Albayalde said it is highly unlikely for Belmonte to be involved in the killing of Beltran, who was running for a congressional seat against Annie Susano and Precious Castelo.
He said the allegation against Belmonte could be election-related.
“They are taking advantage of the election. You know the midterm elections are upcoming,” Albayalde said, apparently referring to Belmonte’s political rivals.