Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 20) — Authorities recovered the burnt getaway vehicle in the Nueva Vizcaya ambush on Sunday that killed the vice mayor of Aparri in Cagayan province and five others.
“Na-recover namin ‘yung sasakyan na Mitsubishi Adventure, sunog na po,” Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya chief of police PMaj. Oscar Abrogena told CNN Philippines’ New Day on Monday.
[Translation: We recovered the Mitsubishi Adventure car, which was burnt already.]
The vehicle was found in Barangay Uddiawan in the municipality of Solano, but the suspects removed the plate number, he added.
Authorities are coordinating with the local Land Transportation Office to determine the owner of the vehicle.
Aparri Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda and his five companions were in a black Hyundai Starex when a group of six masked individuals in police uniforms gunned them down in Sitio Kinacao, Barangay Baretbet on Feb. 19, the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Police Office reported.
Police also identified two of the other victims as Alvin Abel and Alexander delos Angeles.
Authorities are investigating to determine the motive behind the killing, but the family and staff of the slain vice mayor said Alameda did not receive any death threats, Abrogena said.
He also said there are no CCTVs in the area where the incident occurred.
