Kin of Ilocos Sur PNP chief slain

By Liam Anacleto

CABANATUAN CITY – A policeman relative of the provincial director of the Philippine National Police in Ilocos Sur was gunned down by a lone gunman night of Oct. 26 which authorities said was tied to the lawman’s business.

Police Supt. Eliseo Cruz, Cabanatuan police chief, said PO3 Paulino Gagarin was standing in front of the Via Pharmacy near the Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center along Mabini St. when shot by the gunman at 6:10 p.m.

The victim died on the spot from a gunshot wound in the head.

Gagarin was a relative of Ilocos Sur PNP provincial director, Senior Supt. Virgilio Fabros. He was assigned with the Bulacan Provincial Police Office.

The unknown gunman sped away aboard a motorcycle.

Cruz said they were looking at Gagarin’s lending transactions as possible motive behind the attack.

The victim was reportedly engaged in “5-6,” a lending business involving usurious rates. Police recovered from the murder scene five empty shells from a .Cal. 45 revolver.

Senor Supt. Allen Bantolo, Bulacan PNP provincial director, said while Gagarin was with the BPPO, he has been detailed as a security of Fabros, a former Bulacan assistant provincial police director.