P.2-M reward up in Cotabato vice mayor’s slay

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – The municipal government of Kabacan in North Cotabato yesterday offered a P200,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest of the killers of re-electionist Vice Mayor Policronio Dulay. 

Dulay was emerging from a department store in the Kabacan town proper last Friday when two motorcycle-riding men pulled over in front of him and opened fire with handguns.

Dulay, who had served as Kabacan vice mayor since 2007 after being a councilor for nine years, died on the spot.

Dulay’s supposed bid for a third and final term was being challenged by Datu Maidu Sultan, an independent bet.

Superintendent Leo Ajero, Kabacan police chief, said investigators were looking into “politics” as possible motive for the killing.

“According to members of his family, he (Dulay) had no known enemies. He was, in fact, known all over the town as a very friendly, respectful political leader, who was easy to get along with,” Ajero said.

Dulay was the running mate of Kabacan re-electionist Mayor George Tan. 

Tan reportedly promised to shell out additional reward from his personal money, to raise the municipal government’s bounty.

Meanwhile, Ajero said they have intensified their operations against Kabacan residents carrying guns. 

“We have been conducting surprise inspections of motorists in areas they least expect us to put up checkpoints to hasten the enforcement of the gun ban the Commission on Elections imposed last Jan. 13, which will last until June,” he said.