Anti-illegal logging team leader shot dead at Ilagan checkpoint

By Raymund Catindig

ILAGAN CITY, – Police are still looking into identity of  assassins who shot dead a  former village chairman turned leader of an anti-illegal logging task force he was manning a checkpoint in Ilagan City.

Alfredo Ilayat was found with several gunshot wounds in the body several meters away from the checkpoint, said city police director Supt. Vicente Valdez.

Investigators recovered the victim’s 12-gauge shotgun beside him.

Ilayat, a former head of Barangay Cabisera here was leader of an anti-illegal logging task force created by Isabela Gov. Faustino Dy III.

Valdez said Ilayat was alone at the checkpoint in Barangay Villa Imelda as his companions were conducting an operation at a nearby village when the attack occurred.

The victim’s family expressed the belief the killing was work-related.