Gun used in trader's murder traced to ex-Malabon employee

MANILA, Philippines - Northern Police District (NPD) intelligence agents are tracking down the owner of a gun used in the murder of a businessman two months ago in Malabon City, officials said yesterday.

“We have fielded several men to do the leg work in tracking down the gun owner, for we would like to help the victim’s family in resolving the case,” an intelligence officer, requesting anonymity, said.

Superintendent Filemon Porciuncula Jr., NPD crime lab chief, said the .45 caliber Norinco pistol used in killing Michael Buquid on July 20 is registered to Marlon Marquina, a former Malabon city hall employee.

Buquid was killed shortly after he helped convince Valenzuela businesswoman Myrna Tan to finance a P49.9-million joint venture project to supply medical equipment to the Malabon City government. Tan, who had already disbursed P16.5 million for the project, told police she found out the project was a fraud after Buquid was murdered.

She filed charges against Marquina and six others, including Malabon City administrator Benjamin Villacorta, who denied meeting with her and Marquina.