Former Pasay barangay chairman tagged as alleged mastermind in photojournalist’s attack
MANILA, Philippines — An former barangay (village) chairman in Pasay City is the alleged mastermind in the shooting of photojournalist Rene Joshua Abiad and six of his relatives last June 29, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Brig. Gen. Nicholas Torre III said on Thursday.
Torre also alleged the chairman, “Nanad,” had drug complaints with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
“Yung ex-barangay chairman, may record na sa NBI na nahuli na ulit for drugs din,” Torre said of the mastermind in a press briefing.
(The ex-barangay chairman has a record in the NBI and was arrested for drug charges.)
However, the supposed mastermind remains at large. Torre said: “We are looking for him.”
“Tina-try namin i-trace sa social media, wala din, nag-deactivate,” he said.
(We are trying to trace through social media, but the account was deactivated.)
As for the mastermind’s motive, Torre said Abiad’s job could be “the most logical explanation right now.”
“Galit sa kanya ang mastermind dahil sa kanyang trabaho, personal na galit sa trabaho,” he also said.
(The mastermind is mad at him because of his job, a personal vendetta because of his work.)
One of the suspects, identified as Eduardo Almario Legaspi II, alias “Bingbong,” was arrested last July 8, Torre previously said.
The QCPD is still hunting six individuals, including the mastermind.
