PNP starts probe on fatal shooting of Pampanga town council bet, nephew

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday started its probe into the recent gun attack that led to the deaths of a Pampanga town council candidate and his nephew.

PNP chief PGen. Dionardo Carlos identified those killed as San Simon town council candidate Rogelio Salvador, 42, and his nephew Joel Salvador.

According to Carlos, an initial investigation showed that the victims were driving to Barangay San Jose in San Simon town aboard a Chevrolet Trailblazer sports utility vehicle driven by Arnel Caparas when the still unidentified gunmen aboard a car attacked them. Police said Caparas was seriously hurt in the attack.

“So far, it is premature to say that this is election-related even if the victim is a local candidate for the 2022 elections. We need to establish the facts first, but we don’t discount politics as a possible motive,” said Carlos.

Carlos added that aside from his political affiliation, it is important to also investigate deeper into the background of Rogelio Salvador.

A signing of the peace covenant will then be implemented in the coming months to avoid similar incidents, said Carlos.

“Expect that there will be the signing of peace covenant in the coming months to seal the commitment of every candidate-driven towards a fair and honest election,” Carlos added.

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