By Martin A. Sadongdong
The Philippine National Police said yesterday that they are pursuing the gunman of Buenavista, Bohol Mayor Ronald Lowell.
PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde announced in a press briefing in Camp Crame, Quezon City that they have identified the gunman. “We have already identified the gunman,” Albayalde said.
However, Albayalde refused to give further details so as not to jeopardize their pursuit operations.
Albayalde said the bodyguard of Tirol identified the gunman as the same person who tried to kill the mayor three years ago.
The country’s top cop said that they have yet to determine the motive behind the killing but noted the thorough probe leans towards politics. Other angles include business and personal grudge, Albayalde said.
Tirol was shot dead inside the town’s cockpit arena by at least three persons, including the gunman, at around 3:10 p.m. Sunday.
Two bullets to the head ended the life of the mayor, according to the PNP.
The gunman and his two cohorts immediately sped off onboard two motorcycles. Tirol was taken to the Dagonoy Hospital in Inabanga, Bohol where he was declared dead on arrival.
