Bacong Mayor Lenin Alviola maintains that the killing of his staunch supporter was politically motivated, even if lawyer Erwin Vergara has cautioned local officials against making statements on the incident.

Renante Alabastro, 32, married, of Barangay Isugan, Bacong was shot to death Friday, following an altercation over a sand extraction business with Lando Laceda, a known ally of Alviola's rival in the May last elections. Vergara, whose re-appointment as legal officer of Oriental Negros is being opposed by Alviola, said that any insinuations on the incident may hamper the ongoing investigation.

Board Member Marcelo Adanza (3rd district, Oriental Negros), has also announced his opposition to the re-appointment of Vergara.

Police investigation revealed that two identified suspects shot Alabastro several times in the body using a .45 caliber and or .9mm pistols.

Alviola sought the help of PNP provincial director, S/Supt. Melvin Buenafe, for the immediate resolution of the case.

He added that before the elections, there were sightings of unidentified armed men in Bacong trying to threaten his supporters. He said politics could be behind the killing because harassments have occurred in most secluded barangays in the town.

Alviola said he hopes the political bickering in Bacong will end so that the delivery of basic services can be freely implemented.*MA

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