2008-08-13 13:44:14 - Probe into Philippine mayor's slaying now on high gear

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan

The investigation into the slaying of Agno Mayor Arthur Cabantac has reached high gear as two policemen, who may be possibly linked to the killing, are now in custody of investigators.

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Police Provincial Director Senior Supt. Isagani Nerez however clarified that no direct evidence has yet been found against the two policemen, whose names are still being withheld.

Nerez now appears to be under pressure to solve the case following a criticism aired by a member of the provincial board asking him to leave his post if he cannot solve Cabantac's slaying and those of other high profile crimes in Pangasinan.

In a privilege speech last Monday, Provincial Board Member Alfonso Bince Jr. slammed Nerez for the increasing number of unsolved killings in

Pangasinan, many of the victims of which were politicians and known personalities.

Of the two policemen under custody, one turned out negative from powder burns when subjected to paraffin test at the PNP Crime Laboratory.

The other policeman is yet to undergo a paraffin test.

Nerez said Task Force Cabantac, which he formed hours after the mayor's slaying, is continuing with its investigation.

Members of the task force, headed by Supt. David Rapizosa, held a case conference on Tuesday to evaluate the evidence and testimonies it had gathered so far to find out if it already has a solid case against the suspects.

These include sworn statements of the persons who were with Cabantrac when he was gunned down in cold blood while playing mahjong at a friend's house in Poblacion East, Agno and the sworn statement of the mayor's widow.