Police wanted for murder of rival’s aide

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines – Police have launched a manhunt for a mayoral candidate and 11 other persons tagged in the killing of a supporter of his political rival in Sto. Tomas, Isabela on New Year’s Day.

Reports reaching provincial police director Senior Superintendent Leon Rafael said witnesses identified village chief Noel Reyes of Barangay Kulungan as the man who shot Jhon-Jhon Laggui, 25.

Witnesses told police that Reyes, who is seeking the mayoral post in the May elections, used a shotgun in killing the victim, who was in a meeting with other supporters of Mayor Leandro Talaue in Barangay San Rafael Abajo.

Police said Reyes and his supporters fled in his Honda Civic (UDE-469), which was later found abandoned in the middle of a cornfield.

Earlier reports said Laggui and his companions figured in a brawl with Reyes and his supporters.