Kin, townmates want justice for slain PUP exec

ILOILO CITY, Philippines—Townmates and relatives of slain Polytechnic University of the Philippines vice president for administration Augustus Cezar in Lezo town in Aklan are calling for a swift investigation of the his murder.

“We condemn his murder and we want justice especially for his family,” Lezo Mayor Victor Fernandez told the INQUIRER in a telephone interview on Monday.

Fernandez, Cezar’s uncle, urged law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate all angles especially on the leadership dispute within the university.

One of two motorcycle-riding assailants, believed to be hired assassins, shot Cezar dead on Oct. 12 in Sta. Mesa, Manila while he was driving his Toyota Lite Ace van from the university to his home.

Investigators are eyeing politics within the PUP as among the possible motives in his killing.

Cezar’s remains were met Sunday by his relatives and townmates at the Kalibo airport and escorted to his family’s residence in the town proper of Lezo, some 10 kilometers from the capital town.

Lezo councilor Ernan Baldomero said the municipal council was expected to pass a resolution during its regular session condemning Cezar’s murder.

Fernandez said his townmates were shocked with his nephew’s murder. “He was known here as a good-natured, helpful and low-key person despite the high position he has reached in the university,” the mayor said.