Iligan mayor indicted for murder, slay try

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has resolved to elevate to court murder and frustrated murder charges against a suspended mayor and his nine alleged cohorts for the slay try on Iligan Rep. Vicente Belmonte, an attack supposedly rooted in politics.

In a resolution released on Friday, investigating prosecutors recommended the indictment of suspended Iligan City Mayor Celso Regencia, Alfeo Arnoco, Amador Baller, father and son Rogelio Pitos Sr. and Rogelio Pitos Jr., Romeo Suganub, Peejay Capangpangan, Julito Oros Ansad (Bino), Dodo Silvano and several John Does for three counts of murder and four counts of frustrated murder charges.

Regencia was suspended earlier this year for alleged abuse of authority for purportedly removing the authority of Iligan City Vice Mayor Ruderic Marzo to appoint job-order employees to the City Council.

The complaint against Dominador Tumala, one of the gunmen, was dismissed after he confessed to the crime and executed a statement detailing the assassination plot against the lawmaker and identified those behind the plan.