Town cops still facing black wall on attack of councilor bet’s residence

By Ben Serrano,
Correspondent

Santiago, Agusan del Norte — Tension gripped this town following rumors of repercussion and alleged presence of armed groups in the area because said attack of a Barangay Chair-man’s house was allegedly politically motivated.

The town’s police chief, Senior Insp. Tito L. Gerado however claimed there is nothing to worry about since the Police Regional Office 13 augmented the town’s police force aside from presence of some members of the Police Regional Mobile Force in Barangay Jagupit and augmentation of military forces in the adjacent areas.

“What I am worried about is after election day when some of these augmentation forces will leave us for other poll duties in other parts of the region since both police and military have limited personnel to respond. But we have no choice except to do our best to ensure a safe and peaceful election,” said Gerado.

As this developed, Gerado told Gold Star Daily, they are still facing a blank wall as of press time because the three suspects armed with M14 and M16 rifles –– who opened fire and attacked the house of Barangay Chairman Gerry Mabras of Jagupit –– are still unidentified. Mabras is also running for town councilor.

“We have two witnesses as of now but they can’t positively identify the suspects and the getaway vehicle because it was dark when the three armed suspects started open firing at Mabras’ house at Serrano Village in Barangay Jagupit,” Girado added.

Gerado however claimed thorough investigation of the incident has been intensified.

At about 1:30 pm, Saturday April 30, an armed group of men suddenly surfaced in Barangay Jagupit, attacked and sprayed bullets Mabras’ house located in Serrano Village using M16 and M14 armalite rifles

Police and witnesses said Mabras cheated death but is still in a state of shock.