Poll exec’s slay nearing solution – Tuason

The investigation on the brutal slaying of Commission on Elections (Comelec) legal department chief Alioden Dalaig is coming to an end, a poll official declared.

Comelec Commissioner Florentino Tuason said the Manila Police District (MPD) is now close to the early solution of Dalaig’s murder.

“We have met with MPD officials and were informed that they have unearthed new evidence which would hopefully help towards the early solution of the (Dalaig) case,” Tuason said.

Tuason, however, declined to reveal details of what he described as ”positive developments” so as not to hamper the ongoing investigation.

Tuason though confirmed the motive behind the killing of Dalaig is most likely work-related.

“Based on recent development we cannot still say that it is work-related but considering that fact that all Dalaig’s belongings were intact, the only reason left is work-related,” he said.

Dalaig was shot dead as he was crossing the street in front of Hyatt Hotel in Ermita last Nov. 10.

Police recovered some P300,000 cash and belongings prompting investigators to rule out robbery in the killing.

Police had secured a description of one of the suspects based on the video footage of the hotel.

Comelec said it will provide the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) the list of all the cases handled by Dalaig to solve the murder.

The NBI is conducting a parallel probe with the Philippine National Police (PNP) which also requested the list of all the pending cases handled by Dalaig.

Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, on the other hand, urged the MPD to look into allegations of the relatives that the jewelry of the slain Comelec official had been switched.

Dalaig’s children alleged the jewelry worn by their slain father has been switched with fakes while in the custody of Chief Inspector Alejandro Yanquiling, MPD homicide chief.

According to Lim, the children were surprised to learn that their father’s valuables, including a bracelet, were switched with fakes.

The investigators also refused to turn over the P300,000 cash to them, he said.

Yanquiling, for his part, denied the claims in pointing out the cash and jewelry of the slain Comelec official remained intact under his custody.

“The report should be verified to determine what really happened and who are behind it should the allegation be proven true,” Lim said.  – With Evelyn Macairan