Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. has offered a P500,000 reward for any information that could lead to the arrest of the still unknown suspects for the killing of the Barangay Poblacion chairperson in Pangasinan.
Abalos, in a statement, stressed that while the incident was deemed an isolated case, he assured that they are seeking justice for the family of the slain village chief identified as Melinda Morillo, who died Thursday night when gunmen aboard a motorcycle shot her while she was onboard her sports utility vehicle in Barangay Tebag.
"The police are on top of this as they are investigating all possible angles. Aside from that, I myself am offering P500,000 for any information that will lead to the immediate arrest of the persons behind her murder."
The DILG chief stressed that the public's participation in solving the case could lead to justice and is a "clear stand and statement" that they "will never condone these senseless killings" in the country.
He also reminded other village chiefs and local officials to promptly report to the local police any concerns regarding their safety.
Meantime, Pangasinan Police Provincial Office director Col. Jeff Fanged said a special investigation task group was created to focus on Morillo's case.