Probe urged on killing of Apayao mayor, aide

By Teddy Molina

PAGUDPUD, Ilocos Norte –Concerned residents urged police to probe deeper death of the mayor of Luna town in Apayao who was killed along with  her bodyguard when their sport utility vehicle reportedly crashed onto a tree here past midnight on June 22.

Three others, including the vice mayor, were injured. Mayor Betty Versola died instantly while her bodyguard, Marlon Taclibon, of Pinili, Ilocos Norte, was declared dead on arrival at the Bangui District Hospital.

The injured victims identified as Mayor Josephine Bangsil, Milet Agustin and Jun Ildefonso, the driver of the Montero SUV, were initially taken to the same hospital for treatment.

The injured victims were later transferred to Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center in Batac City due to severe injuries.

Reports said the driver was trying to avoid hitting a carabao that crossed the highway in Barangay Pasaleng.

The group was on their way to Apayao from Baguio City when the accident happened at past 1 a.m.