Old grudge eyed behind killing of 2 Revilla supporters

CAVITE, Philippines – Police are looking into an old personal grudge as the motive behind the killing of the two supporters of Bacoor City Mayor Strike Revilla, which also resulted in the wounding of a female barangay chief last Thursday night here.

Senior Superintendent Edwin Erni, commander of the Task Force SAFE (Safe And Fare Elections-Cavite), said investigators are currently following their leads as they are eyeing the “personal grudge” angle on the attack.

Erni, however, refused to reveal the details pending investigation.  He said there were indications that the main target in the attack was Roberto Palabrica, not barangay chairwoman Catherine Palabrica.

The task force chief said the Special Investigation Team called “Palabrica” is currently searching eyewitnesses who could give information and identify the perpetrators.

Ernie said the probers have interviewed several residents and the family of the slain victims. They have also taken the statements of the barangay chief.

He said the shells recovered at the crime site were brought to the crime laboratory for ballistic test and cross matching in order to determine the kind of gun used in the killing.

Erni told The STAR the probers have not yet ruled out politics as one of the motive for the killing because one of the victims was a brother of an incumbent city councilor who is seeking re-elections in the coming polls.

Reynaldo Palabrica is included in the tickets of Bacoor City Mayor Revilla and an avid supporter of the Revillas.

Erni said there was no indication yet that the attack was election- related.