‘For killing of another mayor’s wife’: Cops launch manhunt for Abra town mayor

By Teddy Molina

BANGUED, Abra  – Police have launched a manhunt for this capital town’s re-electionist mayor, Ryan Luna in connection with the 2007 killing of Brenda Crisologo, wife of Tineg Mayor Edwin Crisologo.

            

Luna is  now considered at large as police Wednesday failed to serve a warrant for his arrest

The Department of Justice has approved the indictment of Luna for the Crisologo slay, and Judge Jaime Dojillo Jr. subsequently issued the arrest warrant.

Six others were earlier charged for the killing.

Luna’s brother Hans, who is running for Abra’s lone congressional seat, said the charges against his brother are “politically motivated.”

The Luna brothers’ mother Cesy is running for governor.

A special police team is now following the trail of  Luna, who since Monday has eluded arrest.

Policemen failed to arrest Luna in his house or at the town hall Monday April 29 night when they served an arrest warrant issued by a Bangued Regional Trial Court in connection with the murder of then Tineg mayoral bet Brenda Crisologo during the 2007 poll canvassing.

Cordillera police director, Chief Supt. Benjamin Magalong,  said the Abra police provincial office’s tracker team is on the move for Luna, who apparently has fled Abra and sought refuge somewhere.

Magalong however did not confirm if there was a shoot-to-kill order on Luna as many believe he is considered "armed and dangerous", but only said that there are surrender feelers coming from Luna's camp.

On Monday morning, April 29, before his arrest warrant came out, was said to have even led his townsfolk for the  flag ceremony in front of the town hall.

He was said to have been visibly agitated owing to the impending issuance of arrest warrant against him.

Luna said the arrest warrant was  “ill-timed, politically motivated and a handiwork of his political opponent.”

Luna, running for re-election, is facing businessman Dominic Valera, father of Abra Rep. Ma Jocelyn Bernos of the Liberal Party.

Policemen tried to serve the arrest warrant at the mayor’s residence in barangay Dangdangla and at the municipal hall but failed to locate the town executive.

Magalong said he has already spoken with Luna over the phone, but the latter did not specify when he will surrender.

Meanwhile,  a Hold Departure Order against Luna is being readied by the Bureau of Immigration.