No leads yet on Agusan judge’s slay try

BUTUAN CITY – Investigators are facing a blank wall on the attempts on the lives of Bayugan City Regional Trial Court Judge Hector Salise and his police escort here on Friday morning.

Salise and Police Officer 3 Edmund Narvasa were in a Toyota Innova on their way to Bayugan City when they were ambushed by four armed men in Barangay Limon.

The Supreme Court ( SC) yesterday condemned the attack, noting it was an attempt to “subvert the rule of law through silencing the judge.”

Salise, who reportedly maintains an anti-drug stance, was said to be in critical condition in a private hospital here. Narvasa has been declared out of danger.

Although wounded, Narvasa managed to drive back to Butuan City where he sought the help of a community police assistance center in Barangay Villa Kananga.

Salise was hit in the head and shoulders while Narvasa in the back, leg and waist.

Police recovered from the crime scene 15 bullet shells for an armalite rifle and two for a .45 caliber pistol.

A task force has been formed to investigate the incident and protect Salise and his family.