Driver of getaway motorcycle in cop's slay yields

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya , Philippines  – The alleged driver of the getaway motorcycle used by the triggerman in last Wednesday’s killing of a police major in Cagayan has given himself up to authorities to help in the investigation.

Senior Superintendent Mao Aplasca, Cagayan police director, said the man claimed he drove the getaway motorcycle used in the fatal shooting of Chief Inspector Hector Balinuyus, chief of the regional police’s firearms and explosives division, in Tuguegarao City.

But the man, whose identity was withheld for security reasons, said he was just passing by the crime scene on his motorcycle when Balinuyus’ attacker stopped and forced him at gunpoint to drive him away.

“We are still verifying the truthfulness of his claim,” Aplasca said. 

Police said two more eyewitnesses could help investigators eventually unmask the triggerman.

Balinuyus succumbed to complications while being treated at the Saint Paul Hospital. 

Balinuyus was attacked just after alighting from his vehicle in front of an auto supply store along the city’s diversion road where authorities later recovered at least three caliber .45 empty shells.

Balinuyus had served as police chief of the Cagayan towns of Santa Ana, Solana and Lasam. He was known to be a critic of politicians and other prominent personalities in the province.