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Mayor condemns killing of councilor

January 8, 2011

ARAYAT — Mayor Luis Espino strongly condemned Thursday’s killing of Councilor Francisco Balagtas Jr. by still-unidentified gunmen in Barangay Plaza Luma here.
In a phone interview with Sun.Star Pampanga, Espino branded the incident as “a senseless killing,” adding that he sympathizes with the family of Balagtas.
Espino said he already ordered Superintendent Richard Saavedra, Arayat police officer-in-charge, to create a Task Force to identify and go after the killers of Balagtas.
He also said that police investigators are looking at every possible angle to determine the motive behind the killing, even as he downplayed earlier reports that the shooting was politically motivated.
Espino urged the police to speed up the investigation to identify and arrest the suspects responsible for the crime.
A Sun.Star Pampanga source revealed that aside from the political angle, investigators are theorizing that the motive may be personal or business-related.
Vice Mayor Larry Trinidad, presiding officer of the Municipal Council, said they also extend their condolences to their colleague’s family.
Trinidad said it is not yet known who will take the place of Balagtas, who ran as an independent councilor during the May 2010 elections.
Gilbert Guzon, a bystander hit by a stray bullet during the shooting, was out of danger.
Marianita Balagtas, wife of the slain councilor, said she was not aware of any threats against her husband, saying he was a kind and honest public servant who was always willing to help others.
Last Thursday afternoon, Governor Lilia Pineda, Vice Governor Joseller Guaio, Board Members Monina Laus, Trina Dizon, Rolly Macalino, Dein Henson, PML president Mayor Jerry Pelayo (Candaba) and former Mayor Dennis Pineda visited the wake of Balagtas. (Chris Navarro)

Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/mayor-condemns-killing-councilor

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