Business rivalry eyed in Aparri vice mayor’s slay

MANILA, Philippines — Police are eyeing business rivalry as one of the motives in the killing of Aparri vice mayor Rommel Alameda and his five companions in Nueva Vizcaya last month.

“Investigators have uncovered substantial leads that could establish the possible motive and identify the mastermind behind the attack,” Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said in a press briefing yesterday.

“Investigation showed the threats made on Vice Mayor Alameda point to business rivalry as one of the possible motives,” Azurin added.

He said that black sand mining could be the motive for the killing, noting that Alameda was against the trade of black sand.

Azurin said police have persons of interest in the case, but are still trying to solidify the pieces of evidence they have gathered.

Meanwhile, the PNP is considering the attack on Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr. solved following the filing of charges against the suspects as well as the arrest of three others in Bukidnon on Friday.

The suspects are members of the Gandawali Group, which is reportedly engaged in various illegal activities  in towns bordering Lanao del Sur and Bukidnon, Azurin said.

Adiong and his aide were wounded while four others were killed in the attack that occurred in Maguing town last month.