MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has reported the capture of an individual allegedly linked to the assassination of a local barangay chairman in Sto. Tomas City, Batangas, as authorities push to tighten security measures and intelligence collaboration with grassroots officials.
Law enforcement officers apprehended the 30-year-old suspect, who is accused of driving the getaway vehicle for the assassin following the fatal shooting of Barangay Captain Dennis Austria outside his home at My Homes Subdivision in Barangay Sta. Anastacia on October 15.
PNP Chief PGen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. lauded the breakthrough, noting it marks a critical development in delivering closure to the grieving family of the slain leader.
“Every lead will be pursued with urgency and determination, and we will continue working until the remaining suspects are brought before the proper courts. We will not stop at identifying those who carried out the crime. We will pursue those who allegedly planned, financed, and facilitated it,” Nartatez said.
Police detectives have pinpointed the primary shooter as a 45-year-old construction worker from San Jose, Batangas, who is related to another person of interest. Investigators also tagged two individuals—a local businessman and a defeated candidate from the 2023 barangay polls—as the alleged masterminds.
Current police updates indicate that a total of five suspects, including an incumbent barangay councilor, are still being hunted down. In response, Nartatez has instructed the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Austria alongside regional operating units to fast-track manhunt operations and fortify case buildup to expose the full extent of the conspiracy.
The PNP leadership underscored that village officials serve as vital linchponits in grassroots crime prevention, making their safety paramount as they execute public service duties.
“Protecting those who help keep our communities safe is part of our duty to protect the public. Through stronger police coordination and timely action, we can identify threats early and ensure that our barangay officials can perform their duties without fear,” Nartatez stated.
“An attack on a barangay official is an attack on the safety of the community they serve. We will pursue those responsible and strengthen our coordination with local officials to address threats before they turn into violence. Public service must never come at the cost of one’s life,” he added.