CIDG releases sketch of suspect in ambush-slay of former councilor

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna – Authorities released yesterday an artist’s sketch of one of the prime suspects into the ambush-slay of a former city  councilor Sunday morning near a gas station along Barangay Don Jose National Highway, Sta. Rosa, Laguna

Witnesses described the suspect as more or less 35 years old, 5’11” in height, of masculine built, round face, sporting a moustache and military haircut with dark complexion. He was wearing military green T-shirt with fatigue cap, combat shoes with camouflage military  pants.

Senior Superintendent Mark Edison Belarma, Criminal  Investigation and Detection Group 4 chief, said the suspect who was tagged as the triggerman of former Sta. Rosa councilor Raul Aala , was among the unidentified men armed with a M16 armalite and AK 47 onboard two L-300 Mitsubishi van painted silver and faded green.

Belarma said they are still coordinating with various intelligence units from the police and military  to verify  if the suspect or the group belongs to an organized crime syndicate or members of leftist groups.

The CIDG Group 4 chief told The STAR, the victim was driving his KIA Sorento Hyundai SUV (RPA-99) traveling toward his business place (RPA Enterprises) in Barangay Don Jose, after filling  gas at the Shell gas station at around 8:35 a.m., when a group of unidentified men armed with high powered firearms suddenly appeared. Two of them alighted from the van wearing bonnets then peppered the victim’s  car.

A fellow businessman Jose Espina was also wounded when he was hit by a stray bullet on his right knee while he was inside the Select  store compound of the gas station.

Speedily, the suspects boarded their get-away car, fled and drove inside the area of the Greenfield City going toward ABI Greenfield city exit.

Belarma said investigators are eyeing politics and old-grudge as motives in the ambush-slay.