News update P500,000 reward offered for Aklan activist's killers

The provincial government of Aklan has raised a P500,000 reward in exchange for information leading to the killers of Lezo town councilor and activist Fernando Baldomero.

Western Visayas regional director Chief Superintendent Samuel Pagdilao Jr. on Thursday said the reward stemmed from the call of two militant lawmakers for speedy action.

In an article on the Philippine National Police website, Pagdilao also said they have released a composite sketch of the suspected gunman in the killing.

Artist's sketch of the gunman of Aklan-based activist Fernando Baldomero killing, taken from the PNP website. He said the provincial governor came up with the reward offer following a meeting with Bayan Muna Rep. Teodoro Casiño, former Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo, and Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez at the Aklan Provincial Capitol.

Unidentified men shot dead Baldomero while he was about to bring his child to school last Monday. The incident tainted the first few days of President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III in office.

While the military claimed the killing was part of a purge, the Communist Party of the Philippines claimed state agents were behind the incident.

Meanwhile, Western Visayas police released a composite sketch of the suspected gunman, who Pagdilao described as medium-built, fair-complexioned, and between 30 and 40 years old.

Pagdilao also ordered the PRO6 Crime Laboratory Service (SOCO) to fast track its ballistic examination of the cal-.45 slugs and shells recovered at the crime scene. He said these can be cross-matched with others lifted from shooting incidents that happened in Western Visayas in the past.

Investigators suspect the firearms used in the Baldomero case may have been used or linked to previous shooting incidents.

Pagdilao also directed Senior Superintendent Epifanio Bragais Jr., head of the Special Investigation Task Group “Baldomero," to scour all motorcycle buy-and-sell shops in Aklan and its nearby provinces and check on the buyers of a blue Suzuki motorcycle similar to the one used in the killing of Baldomero.

He said Baldomero had been the subject of a grenade attack before his murder. - KBK