House begins investigating the unsolved murders of local officials in Pampanga

San Fernando Mayor Vilma Caluag speculates that the killings in her city may have had a political motive

MANILA, Philippines – The House of Representatives Committee on Public Order and Security on Tuesday, November 26, opened an investigation into the unsolved killings of at least six local public officials in Pampanga’s 3rd District.

During the hearing, Senior Deputy Marshal Aurelio Gonzales Jr. said there needs to be a deeper look into the killings of local officials after a series of incidents that began in April 2022.

Gonzales said the motives behind the killings, whether political, business or personal, remain uncertain. However, he expressed hope that acts of violence against local public officials would soon come to an end.

Speaking about the killings, Gonzales told Rappler: “Dapat a la ng malilyaring anti kanini (Nothing like this should happen.)

“Apat la reng keng San Fernando pero ali ku pa balu nung nanu. Mayakit mu rin ing motibo nung politikal and personally, I think naman uling dakal eh are related. Nung mag-intertwine ya yan, mallyaring iyabe ta ya king quad comm– he added.

(There are four in San Fernando. But I still don’t know. Ultimately the motive will be clear, whether the political and the personal, I think, can be related, because there are just a lot of them. If they are related, they can be included in the quadruple hearings communication.)

Political motive?

San Fernando Mayor Vilma Caluag speculates that the killings in her city may have had a political motive. She said the incidents, which occurred close to the campaign season, may have political connections, although she could not rule out other factors.

“Yes, there may be politics. We will not ignore this point of view. The last time something like this happened in the city was 50 years ago,” Caluag added.

Meanwhile, Arayat Mayor Maria Lourdes Alejandrino rejected the notion that her city was politically motivated, but claimed she was not around when the two incidents took place.

The latest shooting incident occurred on November 12, when an unknown gunman shot and killed Arayat councilor Federico Hipolito and his companion, Barangay Batasan village chief Julito Trinidad. Hipolito was pronounced dead upon arrival, and Trinidad, who suffered gunshot wounds, was taken to hospital.

Initial investigation revealed that the victims had just exited the vehicle when the suspects, who were riding a motorcycle, opened fire.

This incident joins a series of killings targeting local government officials in Pampanga.

On April 30, 2022, just two weeks before the 2022 elections, Alvin Mendoza, captain of the Barangay Alasas in San Fernando, was ambushed. The suspect remains at large and the case was closed due to insufficient evidence.

Lubao Police Senior Sergeant and Investigator Caezar Dalay revealed that one of the suspects, identified as Jason Alvarez, is the leader of the mercenary group.

Dalay said Mendoza’s killing may have been politically motivated or the suspect may have harbored a personal grudge because Mendoza was shot multiple times.

Eight months later, on December 28, 2022, Jesus Liang, captain of the Sto. Rosario in San Fernando was also killed. The perpetrator fled on foot and remains unknown.

On April 17, 2023, former provincial board member and Pampanga Liga ng mga Barangay President Gerome Tubig was shot multiple times by unidentified assailants in San Fernando. Tubig survived, but lost his sight.

Then on June 11, 2024 Barangay Captain Matt Ryan Dela Cruz and his driver Henry Aquino were shot dead died at a gas station in Barangay Del Pilar, also in San Fernando. The suspects remain at large.

On August 11, 2024 Barangay Captain Mel Lumbang of Laquios, Arayat was shot dead in the barangay hall. The police have not yet arrested the perpetrators. According to Gonzales, Lumbang planned to run for vice mayor in the upcoming elections. –Rappler.com