Ex-La Union councilor, 7 others face slay raps

BAUANG, La Union, Philippines – The prosecutor’s office here has found probable cause to indict a former municipal councilor in Naguilian town, along with seven others, including a policeman and a barangay chairman, for the killing of a barangay tanod last April 27. 

Recommended to be charged with murder for the killing of tanod Donato Amoyowon were Azalea Hidalgo, a former councilor who ran but lost in the mayoral race, and PO2 Ireneo Carida, a policeman who served as Hidalgo’s bodyguard during the campaign period.

Also charged were Jeffrey Carigo, chairman of Barangay Lioac; Arnold Pura, Rodel Silen, Ricardo Pepito, Alfredo Facundo, and Randy Valencia.

Hidalgo and the other respondents were also charged with frustrated murder for the wounding of Ernesto Nucasa, Benjamin Omanito and Deo Bulibol, all supporters of Mayor Reynaldo Flores, Hidalgo’s rival. 

In a seven-page resolution approved by provincial prosecutor Danilo Bumacod, prosecutor Crispin Lamong Jr. said Hidalgo and her fellow respondents allegedly conspired in the murder. 

Lamong described the killing as “overkill” as Amoyowon’s body bore 10 gunshot wounds. The tanod was gunned down on the night of April 27 as he and his companions alighted from the van they were riding after Carida flagged it down.