Politics eyed in mayor’s slay

Illegal drugs ruled out; probers zeroing in on Nueva Ecija political issues, quarrying

Police are now looking into local politics and quarrying as possible motives behind the assassination of General Tinio, Nueva Ecija, Mayor Ferdinand Bote after ruling out illegal drugs.

Bote, who was gunned down in Cabanatuan City last Tuesday, has never been included in the so-called narco-list of President Duterte – which is usually the motive being pointed to in the killings of some local chief executives in the country, investigators said.

Chief Superintendent Ama-

dor Corpuz, director of the Central Luzon regional police, said they have already created a special investigation team in order to expedite the solution of the murder of Bote, who was killed a day after Tanauan City (Batangas) Mayor Antonio Halili was shot to death during a flag-raising ceremony.

“Based on the initial investigation of our investigating unit, they are looking into quarrying in Nueva Ecija and political issues as the possible motives,” said Corpuz.

The official disclosed that the Bote family is engaged in quarrying and construction business in Nueva Ecija. He was also in the process of preparations for his re-election bid in next year’s midterm elections.

Bote was killed in an ambush in front of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) late Tuesday afternoon. He was the 10th mayor killed since Duterte assumed the presidency in July 1, 2016.

“So far as of this time, there is no report or anything that links Mayor Bote to illegal drugs,” said Corpuz.

Bote was a mayor of a small town, with only 13 barangays, which is located in the upland area of Nueva Ecija.

A total of 18 empty shells for .45 pistol were found in the crime scene.

Corpuz said there were three gunmen who were seen fleeing on board a motorcycle after the attack.

“We are currently retrieving the CCTV footages of some barangays where the suspects had passed by after the attack. This will be a big help in our investigation,” said Corpuz.