Ex-prosecutor slain in Iloilo

Iloilo City — A former prosecutor was killed inside his home in barangay San Pedro, Jaro district on Wednesday, police said.

The bloodied remains of Arsenio Villalobos Jr., 50, was found by his 70-year-old mother Trinidad around 7 p.m., said Senior Supt. Marietto Valerio, Iloilo City police director, in telephone interview yesterday.

Valerio said Villalobos had several injuries, including a fatal wound in the head, believed to be from hammer blows.

He said the hammer and a kitchen knife were found beside the victim but investigators ruled out suicide.

“It’s highly improbable that he will use a hammer to kill himself,” Valerio said.

Investigators tagged the victim’s uncle and housemate, Ramon Ocampo, as a suspect after he could not be located.

Witnesses told investigators that they heard a commotion inside Villalobos’ house hours before the victim was found. Valerio said they were eyeing a property dispute as the motive behind the killing.  INQUIRER