Task force formed to probe mayor’s slay

MANILA, Philippines — Metro police have already formed a special investigation task group (SITG) into the murder of Talitay, Maguindanao Mayor Abdulwahab Sabal in Manila earlier this week, as investigators look into his supposed involvement in illegal drugs as motive for the killing.

National Capital Regional Police Office chief Police Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas said the Manila Police District had already formed SITG-Sabal to investigate the death of the late Maguindanaoan mayor, who was gunned down in front of Mannra Hotel in Quirino Avenue on Feb. 10.

The task force, which has yet to identify persons of interest in the murder, is still looking into three possible motives: “rido,” or family feuds; political rivalry, and involvement in the drug trade.

“Mayor Sabal has many enemies there,” Sinas said. —Krixia Subingsubing