Getaway car in Aparri vice mayor’s slay found

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Authorities have found a burnt sport utility (SUV) vehicle believed used by the assailants in the ambush of Aparri town Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda and his five aides in Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya on Sunday.

The village chief of Barangay Uddiawan in Solano, Nueva Vizcaya alerted the police about a burnt white vehicle found in the area yesterday.

Responding investigators said the SUV matched the description of the vehicle used in the ambush that killed Alameda and his companions Alvin Abel, 48; John Duane Alameda, 46; Alexander Agustin delos Angeles, 47; Abraham Ramos Jr., 46, and Ismael Nanay Sr.

A special investigation task group (SITG) was formed to run after the assailants.

Nueva Vizcaya police director Col. Camlon Nasdoman said the SITG would be composed of the Bagabag and provincial police offices as well as the regional intelligence unit and other police units.

Alameda’s group was in a black Hyundai Starex van on their way to Pasay in Metro Manila reportedly to attend the Vice Mayors’ League Convention.

The assailants, who were wearing face masks and police uniform, fired shots at the victims in front of an elementary school in Barangay Baretbet.

The assailants fled toward Solano town in a Mitsubishi Adventure with red plate SFN 713. They reportedly took the victims’ firearms.

Authorities found out that the plate number of the SUV was registered to a pickup truck of the Nueva Vizcaya State University.

Residents of Barangay Uddiawan told investigators they heard gunshots and an explosion from the area where the SUV was found.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said the PNP will investigate whether police officers were involved in the crime.

Azurin gave assurance that the perpetrators would be caught and prosecuted.

Brig. Gen. Percival Rumbaoa, Cagayan Valley police director, expressed belief that no police officers were involved in the killing.

Rumbaoa said the assailants used the police uniform to cover their act.

Cagayan Gov. Manuel Mamba appealed for any information that could lead to the solution of the crime. He described Alameda as a good leader. – Ralph Edwin Villanueva