Ilocos mayor’s secu head; ex-cop killed in ambush

SOLSONA, Ilocos Norte — The chief security aide of town mayor Alex Calucag was shot dead here at about 8:08 p.m. Tuesday as he drove through the national highway in San Marcos village.

 A retired policeman, Warlito Maruquin, 61, was driving with another retired police officer, Abdon Laureta, 56, when armed men on a motorcycle fired at their vehicle, killing Maruquin and wounding Laureta.

Laureta was brought to the Black Nazarene Hospital in San Nicolas town and he is now in stable condition.

Responding police officers and forensic investigators recovered from Maruquin’s car numerous guns and ammunition and eight pieces of heat-sealed transparent sachets containing residues of suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride).

At press time, investigators have yet to determine the reason for the attack.

Maruquin was charged with murder and grave threat before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Laoag City on Nov. 24, 2016, police records bared.

However, the case was dropped because the complainant and witness executed affidavit of desistance.