(Weeping widow cries for justice. Photo by Armand Galang)
SAN ANTONIO, Nueva Ecija – Mayor Arvin Salonga put up a P200,000 reward money for any information that will lead to the resolution of the killing of sangguniang bayan candidate Jose Allan Joson.
Salonga also asked the police to expedite the investigation to make sure that justice will be served to Joson, whom he credited for his running unopposed this coming May 2019 elections.
A former ally of his father, the late Mayor Jose Salonga, Joson run under a different banner in 2016 but served as Salonga’s consultant for barangay affairs until he filed his certificate of candidacy for town councilor for the next polls.
Joson delivered to him his “political stock,” the mayor said, “Kaya nga siguro wala akong kalaban ngayon.”
It turned out that Joson supported Salonga at the municipal level and the mayor’s political rival, 4th District Rep. Megan Antonino in the congressional race.
Police has created a special investigation task group composed of various law enforcement agencies, according to acting provincial police chief, Senior Supt. Leon Victor Rosete.
They are reviewing CCTV footage that shows the gunman riding a single motorcycle, aside from statements from eyewitnesses.
Investigators reportedly pursue at least three angles that include politics, business and personal.
Sources said Joson recently had an altercation with a “close friend” who is in government.
Meanwhile, Joson’s widow, Catherine appeals for a longer period of wake amid advice that he has to be buried within a week.
“Hindi daw po pwedeng patagalin dahil sa dami ng tama sa katawan pero sana ay magawan ng paraan na magtagal pa kahit konti,” Catherine said.
Joson left two children, a 14-year-old girl and a 10-yearold boy whom he used to fetch from school.
