Batangas vice mayoral bet’s driver slain in ambush

BATANGAS, Philippines – The driver and bodyguard of a candidate for vice mayor in Mataasnakahoy town in Batangas was killed in an ambush on Thursday night.

Ruben Tiquis, 60, was declared dead on arrival at the Metro San Jose Medical Center. He was working for Janette Ilagan, wife of detained Mataasnakahoy Mayor Jay Manalo Ilagan.

Probers said Tiquis was driving a white Wrangler jeep on his way home when a vehicle blocked his path and opened fire in Barangay Kinalaglagan around 9:20 p.m. The assailants fled on a Mahindra vehicle.

Janette was not in the vehicle when the ambush occurred.

Responding policemen arrested Clarito Lota, Hasim Abbise, Johnny Muallam, Ramir Abillani, Ramly Bariwa, Sarrie Hasim, Eddie Donggon, Rodrigo Anyayahan, Mursidi Jalaidi and Manny Omar in Barangay Santol after a few hours.

Four rifles, two .45-caliber pistols, a 9 mm pistol, assorted bullets as well as bonnets and gloves were recovered from the suspects’ black Hyundai car (VDN-180) and white Ford Ranger (AAB-3234).

Police said the suspects would be charged with murder and violation of the election gun ban.