Disagreement over money ‘strongest’ motive in ex-solon’s murder — police

MANILA, Philippines — A misunderstanding or disagreement over financial dealings was the “strongest motive” seen by police in the killing and burning of former Batangas Representative Edgar Mendoza and his two companions early this month.

Five suspects had already been arrested by the police while manhunt operations are being conducted on two other suspects.

READ: 5 suspects in murder of ex-solon now under CIDG’s custody

Police Brigadier General Joel Coronel, chief of the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP – CIDG), said one of the five arrested may be the principal suspect.

“I understand based on initial revelations made by the witnesses, there were certain transactions entered into by the victim, Atty. Mendoza and with the principal suspect,” Coronel said in an interview at the Senate on Wednesday.

“And as a result of this, there was a misunderstanding on that transactions and that’s the strongest motive why he ordered the killing of the victims,” he added.

Coronel said the killing had something to with Mendoza’s work as a lawyer. The victim was also a Batangas trial court judge.

“As a lawyer, he’s (Mendoza) representing this person in several transactions and I believe there was a disagreement…” he said.

Asked if there was money involved, Coronel said: “Most likely, yes, sum of money we can’t yet determine but I understand it’s about millions.”

As far as he is concerned, he said, the case is already “solved” though they have yet to arrest the two others who remain at large.

Mendoza and two others who were believed to be his driver, Ruel Ruiz, and bodyguard, Nicanor Mendoza, were found dead inside his car which was set on fire in Tiaong, Quezon Last January 9.

READ: Ex-congressman, 2 others killed; bodies burned in car