P1-M bounty set for capture of Digos village chief’s killer

Photo by Francis Adrian Jacosalem/Contributor

DIGOS CITY—Digos City Mayor Josef Cagas has set a P1 million reward for those who can provide information leading to the arrest of the killer of a village official here on Wednesday.

Cagas said the funds for the bounty comes from the local government.

San Jose village chief Angelito Balasbas, 50, had just arrived home around 5 p.m. on Wednesday when attacked before he could alight from the vehicle.

Neighbors in Purok Jakosalem who heard the gunshots then rushed him to Sunga Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.

The window in the driver’s side of the vehicle was shattered while Balasbas suffered several gunshot wounds in different parts of his body.

Police, citing witnesses, said a lone gunman carried out the attack. CCTV footage secured by the local police showed the lone attacker fleeing on a motorcycle.

Lt. Col. Hamlet Lerios, acting Digos police chief, said those who have information related to the crime may contact them through their hotline number 09399240779, giving assurance that the informants’ identities will be held as confidential.

Lerios added that they are still trying to figure out the motive of the attack.

Balasbas is a known supporter of Cagas, who is running for reelection on May 9.

Digos Bishop Guillermo Afable expressed grief over the death of Balasbas and urged authorities to work to have the suspects arrested soon.

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JPV