Cagayan Valley cops hunt ‘persons of interest’ in Alameda ambush

Elizabeth Alameda, the widow of the late Aparri Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda, is being comforted by Cagayan Gov. Manuel Mamba during the wake of the slain official. (Photo courtesy of Cagayan PIO/Francis Jorque)

TUGUEGARAO CITY—The Cagayan Valley regional police have begun tracking down the “persons of interest” in the killing of Aparri town Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda and his five aides, authorities said Tuesday, Feb. 28.

In an interview, Lt. Col. Saturnino Soriano, Cagayan Valley police regional information chief and Task Force Alameda spokesperson, said they were also trying to find the alleged owner of the Mitsubishi Adventure that was used by the culprits.

Investigators declined to disclose other details about their persons of interest due to the ongoing intelligence work.

Last week, Alameda’s widow, Elizabeth, called on President Marcos to intervene in the investigation, which she said was “progressing slowly.”

“We’re asking the President to possibly tap the [National Bureau of Investigation, too. Mabagal na ang imbestigasyon ng pulisya,” she added.

A parallel probe by the NBI would clear up speculations that the police were involved in the ambush, Elizabeth said.

According to initial reports, the six gun-wielding assailants wore police uniforms and were able to use a fake red plate for their getaway vehicle.

The gunmen ambushed Alameda and his five companions—cousin John Duane Alameda, Abraham Ramos Jr., Ismael Nanay Sr., Alvin Abel and Alexander delos Angeles—while on their way to the convention of the Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines in Pasay City on Feb. 19.

The Aparri town government has declared Feb. 28 a day of mourning to honor Alameda and his aides.

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