Task force pursuing leads to solve Apayao exec’s slay

By Redjie Melvic Cawis

LUNA, Apayao -- The task force created by Apayao Provincial Police Office  to solve the shooting killed newly appointed municipal councilor  Bienvenido Verzola III is still pursuing leads which may solve the murder

Provincial police director Senior Supt. Alberlito Garcia said Verzola was shot in front of his water refilling station by still unidentified person at around 8:30 p.m. two weeks ago. 

The victim was rushed to the Far Northern Luzon General Hospital and Training Center but was declared dead on arrival by attending physicians.

He said the police are considering all factors including political, business and  personal motives.

But he said they are not dwelling much on the political motive since the person is not a politician by nature.

Verzola was appointed municipal councilor  last Jan. 7 following the death his mother, mayor  Betty Verzola, who was killed in tragic car accident in June last year, barely a month after assuming her second term as municipal mayor.

Meanwhile, Luna town police chief Senior Insp. LorvinLayugan said the case was an isolated incident and considered the first of its kind in the peaceful town of Luna in years.

Luna is home to at least 20, 000 people.

For the past years, Apayao has been the most peaceful province  in the Cordillera.