Task group formed to probe Masbate vice mayor's slay

MANILA, Philippines – The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) has formed a special task group that will probe into the killing of Masbate vice mayor Arturo Vicente Maristela in the city.

QCPD director Benjardi Mantele has designated Superintendent Antonio Yarra, QCPD-Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit chief, to lead the task group Maristela.

Mantele ordered Task Group Maristela to conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation and to consider all possible motives in the shooting to death of the Aroroy, Masbate vice mayor.

The task group is now interviewing witnesses who were at the crime scene that could give vital information leading to the identity of the suspects.

Initial report showed that around 2:40 p.m. yesterday, Maristela and wife Digna were on board a black Chevrolet Trailblazer (ZAE-708) cruising along Francisco St., near Mary Homes Subdivison, Brgy. Sauyo, Novaliches, when two motorcycle-riding suspects blocked their path then fired shots at the public official.

Maristela succumbed to three gunshots wounds to the body. (report from Dennis Carcamo, Philstar.com)