Task group formed to probe Pangasinan ex-mayor’s murder

ANDA, Pangasinan, Philippines —The Pangasinan police has formed a special investigation task group (SITG) that will probe the murder of this town’s former mayor Aldrin Cerdan.

The SITG Cerdan has started gathering statements and evidence in connection with the murder that occurred in Barangay Namagbagan on Saturday.

Pangasinan police director Lt. Col. Ferdinand de Asis said the SITG is composed of officers of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, legal service and intelligence units as well as the provincial police investigation office.

The task group is helping the local police build an “airtight” case that will be filed today at the provincial prosecutor’s office in Alaminos City, De Asis said.

Cerdan, 50, a former three-term mayor and resident of Barangay Poblacion, was resting in his farm when the assailant, identified as William Cagampan, alias Dugong, reportedly shot him.

Probers said Cagampan, a former bodyguard of the victim, arrived on a motorcycle and engaged Cerdan in conversation.

The suspect, who was reportedly drunk, shot the former mayor with an M16 rifle after the victim refused to lend him money.

Cagampan was arrested in a follow-up operation in nearby Barangay Tondol.