Probers link drugs to slay of Tondo village chief

MANILA, Philippines — Investigators are eyeing the possible involvement of illegal drugs in the murder of a barangay (village) chairman in Tondo, Manila, National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Guillermo Eleazar revealed on Wednesday.

Marcelino Ortega, chairman of Barangay 199, Zone 18 was gunned down by two unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen at the corner of Hermosa and Pilar streets on Tuesday. He was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

“Tuluy tuloy po ‘yung pag-iimbestiga natin dahil tinitingnan natin ‘yung anggulo ng kanyang alleged na kinasasangkutan sa ilegal na activity particular sa droga, Eleazar told Radyo Inquirer.

(Our investigation is ongoing because we are looking at his alleged involvement in an illegal activity particularly in drugs.)

“Tinitingnan po natin iyon dahil may ganoong allegation (We are looking at this angle because there are allegations),” he said.  /muf