Raps filed vs suspects in Bohol mayor’s killing

MANILA, Philippines — Two suspects in the ambush that killed Mayor Ronald Lowell Tirol of Buenavista town in Bohol on Sunday have been charged.

Elmer Melencion, alias Eti, and Egmidio Aparece Jr., alias Mediong, were charged with murder on Monday afternoon.

Senior Superintendent Angeles Geñorga, Bohol police director, said Tirol’s bodyguard identified Melecion, who has a pending warrant of arrest for murder, as the gunman.

“The investigation may take some time. We still have to identify the companions of those arrested. We are looking for at least five suspects, including the driver of the getaway vehicle,” Geñorga said.

Tirol was shot at close range in a cockpit in Barangay Asinan at around 3:52 p.m. He suffered two gunshot wounds in the head and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Dagohoy Hospital.