Police say ambushed barangay captain a 'drug buster'

CEBU, Philippines —  Investigators of Compostela Police Station now have a person of interest that could be behind the ambush of a barangay captain of Asturias.

Barangay Captain Junrey Aligato of Kaluangan, Asturias was ambushed in Purok Kadure, Barangay Tag-ube, Compostela onThursday afternoon.

Police Lt. Samuel Negro of Compostela Police Station said that, initially, they do not discount the possibility that the barangay captain’s death might be related to his job also as drug buster.

“Akong natan-aw kagahapon duna siyay kontra...kay usa man ni sya sa motabang sa atong mga kapolisan sa pagpanakop sa mga (involved) sa ilegal nga droga, mao ni siyay gitan-aw nato nga anggulo,” said Negro.

Though he added he cannot divulge yet who that person of interest is.

Initial investigation revealed that Aligato and his cousin who is village watcher, Emidio Aligato, were driving their motorcycles, respectively, when suddenly an unidentified perpetrator believed to have been waiting in a secluded area shot them.

“Duna gyuy nag-atang ani nila, then dunay nagsabay..dira sila nangagi kay kinadul-an man na agian dira kay naay agianan dira padung sa ilang barangay,” said Negro.

They are also not discounting the possibility that the incident has long been planned by the suspects who tailed the victims before the ambush.

The victims were rushed to the hospital but Junrey was declared dead on arrival. Emidio, who was rushed to another hospital, is still undergoing treatment as of this writing.

Further, Negro said they are also looking into personal grudge as possible motive behind the ambush.

Investigators are still gathering more information as they look for individuals who might be in conflict with the barangay chairman.

They are also coordinating with the victims’ family.

Negro however said that they ruled out the consideration that the incident was politically-motivated in line with the upcoming 2022 elections.

Recovered from the crime scene were one fired bullet, one deformed fired bullet, and one fired cartridge case. — GMR (FREEMAN)