Mayor’s son, 2 others rapped for kagawad’s murder
A murder charge was already filed against three suspects who ambushed one of the political leaders of Cong. Niel “Jun-Jun” Tupas, Jr.
And it looks like politics was really behind the killing of Brgy. Kagawad Arsenio Flaviano of Plandico, Concepcion town.
Task Force Flaviano led by Supt. Ipil Dueñas rapped Sangguniang Bayan member Sandy Boy Salcedo, Jr., son of Concepcion Mayor Elizabeth “Betsy” Salcedo, alias Biboy Narciso, and a John Doe.
Dueñas claimed that Narciso was the triggerman while the unidentified suspect was the one driving the motorcycle.
On the other hand, Salcedo was a principal suspect by inducement.
Dueñas admitted, though, that what they have, for now, against Salcedo are testimonial evidences from two witnesses.
“It’s up for the prosecutor. We hope that it could warrant probable cause,” he added.
To note, the 47-year old Flaviano was instantly killed after gunmen ambushed him while on his way home last February 13.
Flaviano was riding on a motorcycle with his nephew, Gerald, and daughter, Zenny.
They came from the birthday of Atty. Ariel Manipula, vice mayoralty candidate of Concepcion town, when the incident happened.
According to Zenny, they were traversing Brgy. Lo-ong when two-motorcycle riding men passed through them and shot his father.
After they fell down, the suspects further shot the already wounded Arsenio.
The driver sought cover then scampered to safety.
After the incident, the suspects sped off taking the route back to Concepcion town proper.
Politically-motivated
For Mayor Elizabeth Salcedo, there was no other motive why his son is being pinned down but politics.
“Natural, ang reaction sang isa ka iloy sang mga kabataan nga na-brought up man sa maayo nga edukasyon, masakit man. Natural gid ina. Pero I’m also ready kay ara kami sa pulitika. Tanan, ipa-gwa maski indi matuod,” she said over a television interview.
The lady mayor claimed that how could his son killed the victim when the two of them had a good relationship.
“Ayuhay na sila. Ang na-gwa to sa radio nga ginkup-an niya pa kuno kag gin kamusta. Ang akon bata, tama na ka friendly,” she claimed.
Salcedo . that her son told her that he indeed shook hands with Flaviano and asked the latter to campaign for him since he will only be running for a seat at the Sangguniang Bayan.
Meanwhile, when asked about their family’s relationship with the Tupases, Salcedo claimed that they have been going against each other politically.
The Tupases in Iloilo politics include Cong. Niel Tupas, Jr., who will be seeking for reelection against Vice Governor Rolex Suplico; Iloilo Governor Niel Tupas, Sr., who will be running for congressman in the province’s 4th district; and Barotac Viejo Mayor Raul Tupas, who will seek for the governorship.
“Eversince, kaisa lang gid kami makaupod sa pulitika sang mga Tupas. Langis at tubig na ya ang amon relasyon sa Concepcion. Bisan sang una, naga-upod ang bayaw ko sa ila sa Sara, kami ‘ya kontra gid na sa Tupas halin sang una. Bal-an mo may tawo gid ina siya di nga ginapakonta sa akon nga wala gid pagdaog. Subong, ang iya ginapantindog, ika-4th round na ni namon sa pulitika. Gani, mainit gid ina siya sa amon pamilya kay ti ang amon di ya nga ginadala serbisyo sa tawo,” Salcedo claimed.
Motive
When asked who could have killed Flaviano, Salcedo claimed that the people should go to the area where the victim lived.
“They should ask the residents about his background,” she added.
The mayor narrated, “Kundi may bantay-dagat kami nga gapangdakop ina siya sa iya barangay kaya ara sya sa coastal area. Kung makadakop ina siya, ginapamulta niya. Wala man ina gani nagasulod sa munisipyo ang kwarta kag kung akig kis-a ginakuha niya ang net. Ti, damo siya kontra
Indi nila pagpasibangod nga pulitika.
She further claimed that they have nothing to gain by running after Flaviano
“Kay ang iya asawa, basi ginatudlu-an lang ina. Ang sa akon lang tani, sa asawa, kung maghambal siya, tadlungon niya. Indi siya magbutang-butang sa tawo nga wala sang kamatuoran. Kay kung gabutang-butang ka, mabalik na sa imo,” Salcedo said.
For now, she claimed that she is leaving everything to God.
Meanwhile, Salcedo attested to a peaceful political environment in Concepcion.
“That’s why, nakibot lang ako nga sang ginlubong na ang napatay, damo di ginpadala nga military si Jun-Jun Tupas. Ambot kung para sa ano ina. Basi for public consumption lang ina kay ti may kapot siya ‘ya sa military. Kami ‘ya wala,” she added.
