Bataan police form Task Group Ledesma, release sketch of reporter’s gunman

Artist’s sketch of Ledesma’s gunman. PNP

MANILA, Philippines—Police have released the composite sketch of one of the gunmen who allegedly shot to death tabloid reporter Nerlita Ledesma in Balanga City, Bataan, as Task Group “Ledesma” was formed on Thursday.

Bataan Criminal Investigation and Detection Team described the bonnet-wearing man about 45 years old, standing 5 feet 5 inches tall, with facial hair.

Chief Supt. Ronald Santos, Police Regional Office 3 officer in charge, immediately ordered the creation of Special Investigation Task Group “Ledesma” headed by the Bataan Police Provincial Director Senior Supt. Rhodel Sermonia.
In a statement, Santos ordered for a thorough investigation and immediate solving of the shooting of Ledesma, 47, on Vicinal Road, Sitio San Rafael in Barangay Tuyo.
Ledesma, a resident of Tagnai also in Sitio San Rafael, was a contributor for Abante News Magazine and a casual of the Bataan provincial capitol public information office.

The victim was shot by one of two motorcycle-riding gunmen four times in the chest while waiting for a ride to the Bataan provincial capitol.

Recovered from the crime scene were four pieces of fired cartridge cases of .45- cal. and one slug of the same caliber.
Santos said police discovered that the victim was only out on bail after she was arrested over a libel case filed against her by a local media man last 2011.
Two years ago, Ledesma’s house was strafed by still unidentified men.

The motive of the killing is believed to be caused by Ledesma’s involvement with the Tagnai Homeowners’ Association she was a president.

According to Ledesma’s husband Esteban, Santos said the victim had been receiving death threats related to her position as president of the association.

“We are still conducting deeper probe regarding the real motive of the killing considering the nature of her work for the speedy identification and apprehension of the suspects,” Santos said.