NCRPO chief, Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas. (File photo)
MANILA -- At least three angles are being eyed as motives on the killing of Talitay, Maguindanao Mayor Abdul Wahab Sabal in Manila early this week, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said Friday.
NCRPO chief, Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas said the Manila Police District (MPD) has created a special investigation task group (SITG) on the incident.
Among the possible motives for the killing are "rido" (clan war), politics, and illegal drugs, Sinas said.
"The MPD is looking at the possibility that while there is still no clear motive, they are looking at rido or family feud because Mayor Sabal has many enemies in their area. Second, we are also checking the political side because the area is highly politicized. Lastly, we're also checking if the mayor is involved in illegal drugs," he told reporters during the press briefing held at Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Station 10.
Sabal is among the narco-politicians included in President Rodrigo Duterte’s watchlist and was accused of being involved in the 2016 Davao City bombing.
Authorities are also checking if the mayor had received death threats before he was killed.
Sabal was gunned down outside the Mannra Hotel in Malate, Manila around 10 p.m. on Monday.
Based on the police report, the mayor was shot by two unidentified gunmen onboard a motorcycle.
Sinas said investigators were able to obtain CCTV footage showing the suspect walking at the opposite side of the road towards the location of Sabal.
The suspect used an M-16 firearm based on the shell gathered from the crime scene.
Police officers have yet to identify the suspects and the personalities behind the incident. (PNA)
