Raps readied vs 2 suspects in DA executive's ambush-slay

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya , Philippines   – Murder charges are being readied against two suspects in last April’s killing of the Cagayan Valley director of the Department of Agriculture (DA) who had testified in the P780-million fertilizer scam allegedly involving former DA undersecretary Jocelyn “Jocjoc” Bolante.

Chief Superintendent Roberto Damian, regional police director, said they are now ready to formally charge the two suspected gunmen in the ambush-slay of Dr. Gumersindo Lasam.

Lasam, 63, also a concurrent DA assistant secretary for special concerns at the time of his death, was waylaid by two motorcycle-riding men while on board his vehicle along an irrigation bridge en route to his farm in Solana, Cagayan last April 14.

President Arroyo earlier had offered a P100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Lasam’s killers.

Damian though withheld the identities of the two suspects pending their arrest.

“But definitely they are not from the region. It seems they are really hired killers. Witnesses have been able to identify them through artist’s sketches,” he said.

As to the motive behind Lasam’s killing, Damian said, “We will not be able to fully establish their motive until we are able to get them.”

The police-led Task Force Lasam earlier said it was also looking into business and politics as possible motives, besides personal grudge or related to his job. Lasam was reportedly planning to run for mayor in next year’s polls.

Director Leopoldo Bataoil, head of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations in Northern Luzon, earlier said they would also look into speculations that Lasam’s killing was linked to his adverse testimony in the fertilizer scam.