Rival of slain Maconacon mayor to surface, says police

MANILA, Philippines - The alleged political rival of slain Maconacon, Isabela Mayor Erlinda Domingo has promised to come out to deny any involvement in the crime.

In an interview with The STAR yesterday, Isabela police director Senior Superintendent Franklin Moises Mabanag said that Walter Villanueva will surface to clear his name.

Mabanag clarified that they are not considering Villanueva a suspect at the moment.

Villanueva is running for mayor of the coastal town of Maconacon against Domingo in the upcoming May polls.

He lost to Domingo in the 2010 elections.

Domingo was shot as she was getting out of her Mitsubishi Adventure outside Park Villa Apartelle in Barangay West Triangle in Quezon City on Jan. 22.

Domingo’s driver, Bernard Plasos, was also shot and wounded when he tried to chase the suspects.

Mabanag said tight security measures are in place for the scheduled burial of Domingo on Saturday.

Meanwhile, a suspect in the killing of Domingo has denied involvement in the ambush.

Though he voluntarily surrendered, Ryan Santiago only stayed at Camp Karingal for a few hours.

Quezon City Police District director Senior Superintendent Richard Albano said Santiago was eventually released after the case against him has been filed before the prosecutor’s office.

Superintendent Nicasio Salamera, legal officer of the QCPD, explained that Santiago would have to undergo preliminary investigation to determine if there is probable cause to charge him in court. –With Charlie Lagasca, Raymund Catindig