Politics eyed as motive in Quezon City village exec’s ambush

Chief Supt. Joselito Esquivel, QCPD director (Photo by EDWIN BACASMAS / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — Investigators are looking at politics as possible motive in the ambush of a lady village leader and her driver in Quezon City.

This was revealed by Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Director Chief Supt. Joselito Esquivel Jr., hours after Barangay Bagong Silangan chairperson Crisell Beltran and her driver Melchor Salita were gunned down by motorcycle-riding suspects.

“We will look into all angles to establish the motive behind the ambush in our investigation. However, we are also considering politics as among the motives since Beltran is seeking a seat in the 2nd Congressional District,” Esquivel said.

QCPD has also formed an investigating panel dubbed “SITG Beltran” to focus on solving on the case. SITG Beltran, headed by Sr. Supt. Erson Udal Digal, Quezon City police’s Deputy District Director for Operations, will consist of nine members.

Esquivel ordered SITG Beltran to expedite its investigation on the incident.

“We also appeal to anyone with related information to come forward and help the police investigation,” he said.

Beltran was aboard an SUV and passing on J.P. Rizal Street, Barangay Bagong Silangan when four unidentified gunmen onboard two motorcycles blocked their path and shot them around 11:40 a.m. Wednesday. Beltran and Salita were declared dead on arrival at a hospital.

READ: QC barangay chairwoman killed by motorcycle-riding gunmen

/kga

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