3 suspects in slay of kagawad nabbed

MANILA, Philippines — Three of the seven suspects in the killing of a kagawad or councilman in Barangay Canumay East, Valenzuela City on June 29 were arrested by police yesterday.

Taken into police custody were Michael Lagoc Tamayo Jr., Ricky Barte Montemayor and Jimmy Palisoc Ayad.

The suspects and their four cohorts were accused of killing Alexander Liwanag Joseph, city police chief Col. Salvador Destura Jr. said.

Investigation showed that Joseph was on his way to attend a graduation ceremony in Valenzuela when he was shot dead by two men on a motorcycle along Bonifacio street.

Closed-circuit television footage captured the movement of the suspects, which led to the arrest of Tamayo.

Police said Montemayor was nabbed for a drug-related offense while Ayad was collared for illegal gun possession during separate operations.

The suspects admitted their participation in the murder of Joseph.

Police said Ayad was Joseph’s rival for president of the association of tricycle drivers in the barangay.

Joseph was shot dead three days before the election of the group of tricycle drivers, according to probers.

Police said Montemayor was previously charged with estafa by Joseph for allegedly stealing the tricycle group’s funds amounting to P1.3 million.

Police are still hunting down alleged gunmen Tito Salibio and Carlito Abalo along with two other suspects.

The Valenzuela government has offered P600,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Salibio and Abalo.

The victim’s wife, councilor Adelma Joseph, lauded the police for solving the crime.