Witness in Bauang treasurer’s murder receives death threats

BY JERRY PADILLA

BAUANG, La Union – Witnesses in the killing of this town’s municipal treasurer last Sept. 10 sought police assistance Wednesday after reportedly getting death threats to force them from testifying.

Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Camp Diego Silang in nearby San Fernando City were sent to Bauang on Oct. 24 to look into the matter.

This, since one of the witnesses left her residence in Barangay Santiago where municipal treasurer Felicidad Picar was shot dead.

Senior Supt. Marvin Bolabola, CIDG chief, said that they are now trying to identify those threatening the witnesses so charges would be filed against them.

Bolabola said the witnesses, barangay officials and tanods, residents and even policemen have received threats to force them into withdrawing their statements.

“We are now validating the matter because it involves the safety of the witnesses. We are concerned about their security,” he said.

Bolabola said he has coordinated with la Union and Bauang police to closely monitor the situation since Picar’s killing is one of the high-profile cases in the province.

Picar was gunned down while waiting for a ride to her work along the national highway.

The suspected triggerman, Rogelio Ordona, was arrested in nearby Barangay Urayong barely two hours after the killing. Ordona is believed to be a gun-for-hire.

Picar was vice chairman of the Bauang Board of canvassers during the May 14 elections.

Police found out Ordona was also tagged in four other killings of teachers and political leaders.