PNP identifies person of interest in Batangas killing

SANTO TOMAS CITY, Batangas — Police have identified a person of interest in the killing of Barangay Santa Anastacia Chairman Dennis Tenorio Austria, 50, as investigators examine an earlier dispute that may be connected to the fatal shooting.

Philippine National Police (PNP) public information chief Col. Allen Rae Co disclosed the development during a press briefing on Friday, 16 October, a day after Austria was gunned down outside his residence at My Homes Subdivision.

Investigators are looking into a grave threats complaint previously filed by Austria against an individual, although authorities have yet to establish whether the dispute was directly connected to the killing.

Police have not publicly disclosed the identity of the person of interest, and no arrest has been announced.

Austria was reportedly cleaning near his residence at approximately 6:20 a.m. on Thursday when an armed man approached and repeatedly shot him.

The gunman subsequently escaped aboard a motorcycle driven by an accomplice.

Austria was rushed to Saint Cabrini Medical Center, where he was declared dead on arrival.

Crime scene investigators recovered four fired cartridge cases believed to be from a .45-caliber firearm.

Police are reviewing closed-circuit television footage showing the attack and the suspects’ escape to help establish their identities and movements.

The Batangas Police Provincial Office earlier formed a Special Investigation Task Group to coordinate efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible.

Santo Tomas City Mayor Arth Jhun Marasigan has also offered a P200,000 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of the suspects.

The identification of a person of interest represents a new lead in the investigation, although police have yet to establish the motive behind the killing.

Authorities continue to gather evidence to determine whether Austria’s previous threats complaint is connected to the attack.