Manhunt on for gunman in ambush of Baler judge

CAMP RAVINA, Aurora, Philippines – Police officers are hunting down the gunman in the Sept. 1 killing of Baler Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Jude Erwin Alaba in Nueva Ecija, where he is suspected to have gone into hiding.

Senior Superintendent Danny Florentino, Aurora provincial police director, said a citizen had informed them of the presence in Nueva Ecija of a man who fits the description and sketch of the gunman.

The gunman was described to be around 5’6” tall, of medium build, fair complexioned and between 32 to 38 years old.

Alaba, who presided over the RTC Branch 91 in Baler, Aurora, was gunned down in the court compound. He died from a single bullet wound in the chest. His wife Margarita was with him during the attack and suffered a wound on her left arm.

She told investigators that she is not aware of any threats to her husband.

Court Administrator Jose Midas Marquez earlier said Alaba handled sensitive drug cases and some land disputes.

“We have to establish the facts first because there are many angles that are coming out. He has also handled murder cases, theft and robbery,” Florentino said when asked of the possible motives for the killing.