Bangued RTC orders arrest of town mayor

MANILA, Philippines—The Bangued Regional Trial Court in Abra province ordered the arrest of Bangued town Mayor Ryan Luna on Tuesday.

Luna is facing a case for murder in connection with the death of Brenda Crisologo, who was killed inside a school during the May 2007 elections.

Luna has been charged with murder after the Department of Justice through Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan III granted the petition for review filed by Edwin Crisologo Sr., husband of the victim to include Luna as co-accused in the case already with the Banged RTC Branch 2.

The DoJ reversed its earlier finding after witnesses including Cleverosa Zapata submitted her affidavit stating that she saw Luna talking to the victim. When the alleged gunman arrived, despite the presence of other people, he signalled with his right hand on top his head and pointed to the victim. After Luna left, the gunman, Totoy Buyao shot Crisologo.

Crisologo was killed inside Holy Spirit Academy in Bangued while monitoring the counting of ballots during the May 2007 elections.

Prosecutor General Claro Arellano said no bail was recommended for Luna.