Village officer charged with murder

Sunday, October 23, 2011

SAN CARLOS CITY -- Police have filed murder charges against a barangay council member and four others for the death of Mestizo barangay leader Abraham dela Cruz last Thursday.

Charged were Ramon Yanes, Barangay Balococ council member, and four unnamed suspects, including a woman.

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Yanes was also indicted for gun possession.

A caliber .45 pistol and assorted ammunition were recovered from Yanes when policemen came to his house late Thursday to invite him for questioning regarding Dela Cruz’s death.

Dela Cruz was on his way to a palay buyer onboard a bicycle when two suspects onboard a motorcycle shot him several times at close range.

Police said the motorcycle driver was wearing a jacket and helmet to cover his face while the gunman was not wearing anything to cover his face.

City police director Marlon Tayaba said the suspects escaped through barangays of San Juan, Baldog, Talang and Aponit.

Ilocos Region police director Franklin Jesus Bucayu formed Special Investigation Task Group "Dela Cruz" to conduct an in-depth investigation on the ambush of the village official.
 
By rule of succession, Dela Cruz became the acting barangay captain after he succeeded barangay captain Alberto Manzon, who was stabbed to death last July 2011 by barangay treasurer Federico Hermogino.  

Hermogino has been convicted and is now serving his sentence. (Sunnex)