Ilocos Norte mayor’s chief security aide killed in ambush

Ambush investigation (File photo by Junjie Mendoza, CDN/INQUIRER)

LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — A retired policeman serving as the chief security aide of Solsona town mayor Alex Calucag was shot dead at about 8:08 p.m. on Tuesday (Feb. 28)  as he drove through the national highway in San Marcos village, San Nicolas town.

Warlito Maruquin, 61, was driving with another retired police officer, Abdon Laureta, 56, when armed men on a motorcycle fired at their vehicle, killing Maruquin and wounding Laureta.

Laureta was brought to the Black Nazarene Hospital in San Nicolas town and he is now in stable condition.

Responding police officers and forensic investigators recovered from Maruquin’s car numerous guns and ammunition and eight pieces of heat-sealed transparent sachets containing residues of suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride).

At press time, investigators have yet to determine the reason for the attack.

Police record shows Maruquin was charged with murder and grave threat before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Laoag City on Nov. 24, 2016. However, the case was dropped because the complainant and witness executed an affidavit of desistance.  SFM