Task force formed to probe PCA exec slay

MANILA, Philippines —A special team was formed Tuesday to investigate the killing of the Philippine Coconut Authority chief in Batangas, police said.

Task Force Pujanes will look into the killing of PCA provincial head Necitas Pujanes, said Quezon province police director Senior Superintendent Ericson Velasquez.
Pujanes was killed by motorcycle-riding assailants while driving a Mitsubishi pick-up truck  along the Maharlika Highway in Isabang village at around 8 a.m. Tuesday, said Velasquez.

The gunmen repeatedly fired at him using a caliber .45 pistol, police said, adding that the suspects later fled toward Sariaya town.

Pujanes died from multiple gunshot wounds to his body.

The victim’s remains were brought to Funeraria Pagbilao for autopsy.

Checkpoint operations were being conducted in various areas to intercept the assailants, police said.