Pols tagged in Negros board member’s slay

BACOLOD City, Philippines – A local politician ordered the killing of Renato Malabor, a member of Negros Occidental’s provincial board, Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. said on Friday.

Marañon said a case would soon be filed against the politician, whom he refused to identify. He also refused to say whether the politician is incumbent or not.

“There are several witnesses. The affidavits are now with the prosecutor and we have to bear with the slow judicial process,” Marañon told journalists.

The governor said this was why he stood pat on his belief that the killing was politically motivated.

Malabor, 55, and his security escort Leody Jomilla, 52, were gunned down outside a cockfighting arena in Isabela on June 28.

“You will know it when the hearing of the case starts,” he said.

Marañon’s statement came after Isabela Mayor Enrique Montilla dared him to name names.

Montilla, who is seeking a second term, said the governor’s statement caused people to criticize him, especially on social media.

At least 12 persons have been charged before the provincial prosecutor’s office for the killing of Malabor.

Among them was Police Officer 1 Robert Chloe Rito, who was identified by three witnesses as the gunman.

Rito has denied the accusation, saying he is a fall guy.