Cop, 6 others tagged in slay of gov’s 2 kin

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Authorities have tagged a policeman and six others in the March 9 killing of two relatives of Misamis Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno.

Virgilio Mendez, Region 10 director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), said the suspects in the gunslaying of Manuel Natindim and Marlon Roa, a cousin and nephew, respectively, of Moreno face arrest after formal charges are filed against them next week.

The two victims, who both worked in the provincial Capitol, were abducted here and brought to Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte last March 9.

Investigation showed that they were gunned down in Kauswagan and their bodies brought to Barangay Landa, Balo-i, Lanao del Norte where they were buried in a shallow grave.

The victims’ dark green Pajero was also buried and covered with grass near the shallow grave.

Acting on a tip, Marines and policemen retrieved the victims’ bodies three days after they were killed.

Moreno and Lanao del Norte Gov. Imelda Dimaporo formed a task force immediately after the victims’ remains were recovered.

The NBI, however, has yet to establish the motive behind the kidnap-slaying.