JAEN, Nueva Ecija – Police here filed murder charges against two people over the recent killing of the Association of Barangay Captains president of Jaen town, police said on Monday.
Suspects Leonilo Sarmiento and Virgilio Domingo, residents of Pulong Daga, Quezon, here, were charged of murder before the Nueva Ecija Provincial Prosecutor’s Office are now facing murder charges for allegedly killing of Renato Fermin.
Fermin was head of Barangay San Jose, Jaen and ex-officio member of the municipal council. He was gunned down while talking with one of his attackers who pretended to be asking for a permit to raise ducks somewhere in the village.
Based on eyewitness accounts, the gunman was of medium built, and between 35 to 40 years old that fit the description of Sarmiento.
His companion described as fair-complexioned and in his early 30s, reportedly drove the get-away vehicle.
Earlier, fourth district Rep. Rodolfo “Rody” Antonino, a known ally of Fermin, offered a P1-million reward to anyone who could provide information that will lead to the eventual arrest of the suspects.
Antonino, Mayor Santy Austria, Vice Mayor Henry Velarde and other local officials have condemned the killing.
Antonino said that while the motive for the attack has not yet been known, he sympathizes with Fermin’s widow owing to the “political history of Jaen.”
This town has been rocked by political killings and violence since the 90s. One of those killed was Velarde’s brother Ricardo, then ABC head.
