Lingayen officials to offer P.3-M reward in ambush-slay

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines – Local officials are joining hands in putting up P300,000 in reward money for the arrest of those behind the ambush-slay of a former vice mayor here and his wife in Manila last week.

Mayor Ernesto Castañeda Jr. told The STAR yesterday that he is seeking the approval of the municipal council for the cash reward for anyone who could give vital information that would lead to the arrest of the killers of former vice mayor Ramon Arcinue and his wife Zorahayda, head of Barangay Poblacion here, in front of their rented apartment in Sampaloc, Manila last March 7.

Pangasinan second district Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil has filed a House resolution condemning the killing and urging the police and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct a joint and thorough investigation into it.

“These two unfortunate incidents involving the Arcinue couple, including other cases of shooting incidents that remain unsolved not only in Pangasinan but also nationwide, be the subject of a congressional inquiry in order to propose measures that will safeguard peace-loving citizens against ruthless criminal elements,” Bataoil’s resolution stated.

Bataoil said the Arcinue couple’s killing “should not be forgotten and added to unsolved cases in the crime statistics, but instead, it should serve as a strong reminder for the government, that if unsolved, it will contribute to the culture of impunity in our society.”

A retired police general, Bataoil said he is closely monitoring the investigation of the police and the NBI.

Bataoil said he is awaiting pledges from friends to put up the cash reward to help solve the case.

The Arcinue children said they are also willing to offer a reward to help them get justice for their parents, who were laid to rest here last Tuesday.