MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang yesterday ordered the Philippine National Police to go after the killers of Quezon City barangay captain and congressional candidate Crisell “Beng” Beltran and National Democratic Front of the Philippines consultant Randy Malayao.
Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said justice must be served no matter the cost.
“Everyone must be accountable before the law. We call on the authorities to conduct a speedy and impartial investigation to run after the perpetrators of these senseless crimes,” Panelo said in a statement yesterday.
Panelo said Malacanang condoles with the families and friends and colleagues of both Malayao and Beltran.
“The deaths of the aforesaid persons are deplorable,” Panelo added.
Meanwhile, lawmakers from Quezon City yesterday called on the Commission on Elections to declare the city an election hotspot following Beltran’s murder.
Bagong Henerasyon party-list Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy, Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo and former Quezon City congressman Dante Liban condemned the murder of Beltran, 40, who was seeking to represent the city’s second district in the House of Representatives.
Dy, chairperson of the House committee on women and gender equality, is a former Quezon City councilor and remains a resident of the city.
P5-million reward
The Quezon City Council yesterday increased the reward for information that will lead to the arrest of Beltran’s killers to P5 million.
Acting Mayor Joy Belmonte said the council is threshing out the guidelines for the release of the reward but the funding is already available.
In a related development, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) released a sketch of one of the gunmen in the murder of Beltran and her driver.
The gunman was described to be in his 40s, at least 5’4” tall, slim and fair-complexioned.
The QCPD has yet to establish a motive.