Manhunt underway in Jasaan for 2 suspects of vandalism

POLICE in Jasaan, Misamis Oriental are hunting down two suspects who were responsible for vandalizing walls and fences of schools with markings accusing the town mayor as the killer of Danao village chief Alfredo Zapanta.

Chief Inspector Rogelio Labor Jr., Jasaan town police chief, said the graffiti were discovered in Kimaya, Solana, Luz Banzon and Poblacion elementary schools, Thursday night.

Labor said the graffiti has markings “Mayor Pagaspas gibutangan og Zapanta killer.”

He said witnesses have seen a female and male personality illicitly spraying the walls and fences.

“Ang ilang gigamit is kanang tint spray (They were using tint spray),” Labor said, adding that the graffiti were being remove by the police.

Authorities already secured the descriptions of the suspects and the operation is going on.

Labor said town Mayor Julius Pagaspas was already informed and asked the local police to investigate and run after the perpetrators.

He said the mayor was furious over the accusations and would file cases once the suspects are arrested.

“Nasuko siya nganong na ingon ana unya gipa-imbestigahan ug mo-file gyud siya og kaso kung madakpan (He was angry about it and directed us to investigate the case because he will file a formal complaint if the suspects get arrested),” Labor said.

“Tan-awon nato unsay atong makaso about sa vandalism unya ang criminal dayon sa kabahin ni mayor kay serious accusation man ni kang mayor (We will look into what appropriate charge on vandalism and serious accusation against the mayor can be filed),” he added.

Zapanta was killed last July 13 and until now investigators have yet to identify the gunmen and the mastermind while looking into politics as possible motive of the killing.