PNP: No person of interest yet in killing of retired cop in Bicol

Philippine National Police spokesperson Police Colonel Bernard Banac. INQUIRER.net file photo / Cathrine Gonzales

MANILA, Philippines — Authorities have yet to identify any person of interest behind the killing of retired police officer Ramiro Bausa who was running for a local post in Bicol, Philippine National Police (PNP) Spokesman Col. Bernard Banac said Thursday.

“Patuloy pa rin ang imbestigasyon para sa agarang paglutas ng krimen. Sa ngayon, wala pang persons of interests na-identify,” Banac said in a press briefing at the PNP Headquarters.

On Wednesday, Bausa, who was a candidate for councilor in Legazpi City, was killed by suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in a remote village in Bicol.

READ: Retired cop running for councilor killed in Legazpi City

Legazpi City police has linked communist rebels and politics in the killing of Bausa, Banac said.

“Patuloy ang imbestigasyon na isinasagawa ng Legazpi City station. Ang anggulo na tinitingnan nila [ay] maaaring politika at kagagawan din ng communist, terrorist o NPA,” the spokesman said.

Banac added that the slain police officer did not receive any death threats prior to the incident.

“Bago yung pangyayari, wala namang nakuhang threat sa kanyang buhay,” Banac said. /jpv