Police hunt fugitive ex-mayor in Abra

By Myds Supnad

BANGUED, Abra- A massive police manhunt is on against a former town mayor of Abra, described by the police as dangerous man, who is wanted by the law for murder and illegal possession of firearms.

Senior Supt. Joseph Adnol, Abra police director, said ex-mayor Benido Balao-as of Boliney town, has been the subject of a massive hunt by government agents after he was implicated in a murder case recently. “Balao-as has long been wanted by the law and is a dangerous man,” said Adnol.

The Abra police chief did not mention the name of the victim of the mayor.

Adnol said as his policemen continued to search for the fugitive ex mayor, one of his policemen identified as PO2 Recto Dalipog, member of the Boliney police station, was shot dead last June 27, by unknown gunmen.

Dalipog, Adnol said, was instrumental in the implementation of a search warrant at the residence of the former mayor that resulted to the confiscation of four assorted firearms.

According to Adnol, Dalipog was then inside his house when armed men wearing bonnets suddenly arrived at the house and shot dead the policeman.

Adnol said policemen from various units in Abra have been hunting Balao-as who is perceived to be hiding along the mountainous areas of the Cordillera.

Meanwhile, one Crisente Alvarez of barangay Palpalitpit, Dolores town was shot dead by unknown gunmen.

Police said that the victim was shot at close range along the municipal road in barangay Libtec, Dolores town by the suspects who used M16 rifles and shot gun.