2 cops under probe in Balaoan vice-mayor’s murder

THE DEPARTMENT of Justice (DoJ) has started the preliminary investigation into the double murder and multiple counts of frustrated murder complaint against two police officers in connection with the killing of Balaoan, La Union vice-mayor Al-fred O. Concepcion and his bodyguard on Nov. 14, 2018. In a statement, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said it filed the complaint against Senior Police Officer (SPO) 1 Dario Cahigas and SPO2 Arnold Calzado and two other unnamed personalities last July 30. Mr. Concepcion along with her daughter and Balaoan Mayor Aleli U. Concepcion were ambushed while on their way to the Municipal Hall. Mr. Concepcion and his bodyguard were killed while the mayor and her bodyguards were injured. The bureau said the investigation led by Angelito DLP Magno of NBI-Ilocos Regional Office was able to establish the participation of the two police officers in the ambush. “We have yet to establish the motive and also the possible mastermind. As of now, we’re still banking on these evidences and findings that we have submitted to the Office of the Prosecutor,” Mr. Magno said in a press conference. The municipal mayor said a P10 million reward will be given to anyone who can provide vital information to the whereabouts of the perpetrators and the masterminds. The next investigation is set on September 16. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas