PNP looking at gambling, work, as motives in murder of NUPL lawyer

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is looking at gambling and work as possible motives in the murder of activist-lawyer Benjamin Ramos.

In a statement on Thursday, the PNP Western Visayas added that persons of interest are also now being linked to case.

“[An] angle that is being investigated is his (Ramos) involvement in gambling as he is deeply engaged in such vice,” the PNP said in a statement.

“One of the angles being explored is his professional practice as lawyer,” it also said.

According to the PNP, the involvement of Ramos in providing legal assistance to farmers in land grabbing cases could have angered landlords and legitimate land beneficiaries.

Ramos, 56, was a founding member of the National Union of People’s Lawyers. He shot dead in front of a store in his hometown in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on Tuesday night.

READ: Lawyer for 9 slain farmers shot dead

Before his death, Ramos also reportedly helped the families of nine farmers who were shot dead in Sagay City, Negros Occidental on October 20.

Police said they cannot disclose additional information on the persons of interest to not jeopardize the ongoing investigation.

“Rest assured that the PNP is diligently doing its mandate to ensure that the perpetrators will be arrested in the soonest possible time,” police said. /muf