SURIGAO CITY, Philippines — Probers are not ruling out politics as the motive for the killing of a member of the provincial board of Dinagat islands in this city on Sunday.
Wenefredo Olofernes, 52, could have known his assailants because he greeted them when their motorcycle drove past his motorbike before he was shot, according to his partner Olive, who suffered bruises when she fell off the motorcycle.
Olofernes who ran as an independent, was serving his second term. He also served for three terms as councilor of Basilisa town.
Brig. Gen. Gilbert Cruz, Caraga police director, said the reward for information leading to the arrest of the assailants was raised from P50,000 to P100,000.
Cabinet secretary and Oficer for Regional Development and Security for Caraga Karlo Nograles condemned the killing of Olofernes even as he called on the Philippine National Police to speed up its investigation.
“We’re coordinating with the families and the local government on how to address the aftermath of the shooting,” Nograles said.
He assured Caraga residents that the government is doing its best to improve the security situation in the region.
Employees of the Dinagat provincial government wore black during the flag-raising ceremony yesterday to show their indignation over the incident. – Christina Mendez