Suspect in Isabela treasurer’s slay nabbed

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines – Police arrested the suspected triggerman in the killing of a municipal treasurer in Isabela province Thursday night.

Isabela police director Senior Superintendent Sotero Ramos Jr. told The STAR Raxon del Carmen, a resident of San Lorenzo Village in Barangay Marabulig Uno in Cauayan City, was collared after a brief chase along Airport Road.

Police recovered a hand grenade from the suspect.

Ramos said witnesses identified Del Carmen as the killer of Jones town treasurer Mario Duerme, who was shot while driving his car in Calao East in Santiago City last month.

A week ear lier, Jones Vice Mayor Florante Raspado bared an alleged plot to kill him and other local officials, which he claimed was linked to his plans to run for mayor again in 2016.

Police are investigating if Raspado’s claim is connected to Duerme’s murder.