Task force formed to probe NBP executive's slay

Manila, Philippines - A nine-man task force has been formed to investigate the killing of a New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) assistant director in San Pedro, Laguna province two weeks ago.

Dubbed as Task Force Bucor, the body – headed by Laguna provincial director Senior Superintendent Gilbert Cruz – was formed to fasttrack the probe, which will be “inter-boundary.” He will be joined by the San Pedro town police, headed by Superintendent John Kirby Kraft, and the provincial investigation division, among others.

Currently eyed as suspects in the killing of NBP assistant director Rodrigo Mercado are 26 NBP inmates who were transferred to various penal colonies in the country because of their alleged involvement in the brisk illegal drug trade in the country’s main penitentiary.

A source privy to the investigation said probers are using the “process of elimination” to determine who among the suspects appears to have been involved.

Mercado was shot at close range by motorcycle-riding men while he was driving along the national highway in Poblacion, San Pedro town. He died while being rushed to a hospital. At least 11 spent shells from a .45 caliber handgun were found at the crime scene.

Police are looking at his involvement in a drug exposé on national television as a possible motive for his killing.