Slain La Union mayor not in narco-list — PNP

Sudipen, La Union Mayor Alexander Buquing (Photo from PNP)

Slain Supiden, La Union Mayor Alexander Buquing was not in the government’s narco-list, Philippine National Police (PNP) Spokesperson Chief Supt. Benigno Durana Jr. said on Tuesday.

Buquing was killed in an ambush along with PO2 Rolando Juanbe and driver Boni Depdepen Monday night. His wife Vice Mayor Wendy Joy Buquing was wounded in the shooting.

“Definitely wala siya sa narco-list based sa report na sinubmit ng PRO1 (Police Regional Office 1) (Definitely he is not in the narco-list based on the report submitted by PRO1),” Durana said in a press briefing.

READ: La Union town mayor, along with driver and cop, killed in ambush

The so-called “narco-list” is the list of government officials allegedly linked to the illegal drug trade.

Durana said the PNP has already formed a national investigation task force to probe the killings of local executives. He said this will prevent “wrong criticisms” from the public.

Buquing was the 11th mayor to be killed under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. Six vice mayors meanwhile were also killed under the present administration, Durana added.

Prior to this latest incident, a few local executives allegedly linked to drugs were also killed under the current administration.

READ: Where’s our mayor? 10 local execs slain since 2016, reports show

On July 2018, Tanauan City, Batangas Mayor Antonio Halili was shot dead while attending a flag ceremony at the city hall.

Ozamiz City Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog also was killed during a police raid in July 2017.

Albuera, Leyte Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr., meanwhile, was killed in jail in November 2016.

Mayor Samsudin Dimaukom of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao was killed on October 2016 in an alleged shootout in North Cotabato.  /muf