DOJ directs NBI to investigate Los Baños mayor slay

The Justice Department has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a probe into the slay of Los Baños Mayor Caesar Perez, and to do a case buildup if evidence warrants.

In a memorandum dated 4 December 2020, Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Adrian Ferdinand Sugay directed NBI OIC Eric Distor to undertake an investigation and possible case buildup against the assailants.

Perez, a former Laguna vice governor, was gunned down by still unidentified attackers on Thursday, December 3, while walking toward the receiving area of the municipal hall. He was hit twice in the back of his head.

Likewise, the DOJ directed the NBI to submit periodic reports on the progress of the investigation and the possibility of case buildup within 30 days.

Earlier, the special investigation task group created to investigate Perez's killing said it would look into the victim's being on President Rodrigo Duterte's narco list as possible motive for the crime.

According to Philippine National Police spokesman Police Brigadier General Ildebrandi Usana, Perez's inclusion on the narco list of the President will be considered as one of the possible angles.

A complaint was filed against Mayor Perez before the Department of the Interior and Local Government in 2019 over his alleged involvement in illegal drugs trade.

On Friday, December 4, PNP's Usana said there was no person of interest yet for the crime. —LBG, GMA News