Task group to probe Ilocos mayor’s slay

By Raymund Catindig 

MARCOS, Ilocos Norte -- A special investigation task group has been activated to probe the killing of Mayor Arsenio Agustin of this town and his driver at his turf in Barangay Mabuti on June 3 around 11:40 a.m.

Task Group “Mayor Agustin” is headed by Chief Inspector Angelito de Juan, chief of the provincial police investigation and detective management branch. 

Agustin and Rusmar “Mark” Valencia, 35, were inspecting a water-impounding project in Sitio Cabuan when unidentified assailants shot them, according to Chief Insp. Dexter Corpuz, spokesman for the Ilocos Norte police.

Two laborers, identified as Camilo Velasquez, 60, and Nolan Valencia, 18, were hit in the legs during the incident.

Witnesses said they saw one gunman wearing camouflage uniform.

Police have yet to determine the number of assailants, as earlier reports suggested the killing was perpetrated by a lone gunman.  

The mayor and his driver were reportedly killed by an unidentified assailant in Barangay Mabuti shortly before noon that day.

The victims were walking toward their vehicle when the assailant shot them, killing Agustin at the scene.

Agustin died from a gunshot to the head, reports said.

Valencia died while being treated at the Doña Josefa Edralin Marcos District Hospital, according to Corpuz.

Probers recovered bullet shells for an M16 rifle at the crime scene.

Police said Agustin has been receiving death threats.

In April, Vice Mayor Jessie Ermitanio survived an ambush that occurred in the town.

Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos condemned the killing and vowed to give justice to the victims.