Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 21) — Authorities have identified the registered owner of the getaway vehicle used in the ambush that led to the death of Aparri Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda and five others, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Tuesday.
“We already have names of the registered owner and the SITG [Special Investigation Task Group] is coordinating with the other local police to find the location of the registered owner,” PNP spokesperson Jean Fajardo told CNN Philippines’ The Source.
On Monday, Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya chief of police PMaj. Oscar Abrogena said authorities have recovered a burnt Mitsubishi Adventure, identified as the assailants’ getaway vehicle, in Barangay Uddiawan in the municipality of Solano.
Upon initial inspection, Fajardo said the chassis and engine numbers were tampered. However, the highway patrol group in Nueva Vizcaya was able to lift some chassis numbers on the vehicle, which allowed the police to obtain a name.
“This registered owner will definitely be considered as one of the possible sources of information. We are not sure if the registered owner is the current possessor of the Mitsubishi Adventure,” she noted.
Fajardo said they are still looking for the assailants.
The gunmen were reported to be wearing police uniforms when they committed the crime.
Because of this, the PNP is looking into limiting the sale of police uniforms to selected sites, Fajardo said.
Talking about another recent ambush, Fajardo said authorities have at least five to seven persons of interest who are possibly behind the attack on Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr.
