Police file charges vs lawmaker, 8 others for poll official's murder

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday filed charges against a congressman, his son and seven others for conspiracy in the killing of Filemon Aspirin, a Commission of Elections (Comelec) official of La Union, on January 12, 2006. Director Gen. Arturo Lomibao, PNP chief, identified the suspects Rep. Tomas Dumpit Sr. (2D, La Union), Lt. Col. Tomas Dumpit Jr., Tess Dumpit Michellena, a La Union Vice Mayor Clyde Cristino, SPO1 Eduardo Banay, Renato Batuon, Arnel Moto, and alleged assassins Dominador Rentuma and Ares Moto. The PNP charged the suspects with murder at the provincial prosecutor office. Rentuma and Moto, both from South Cotabato, are under police custody. Lomibao said Rentuma drove the getaway motorcycle after Moto shot and killed Aspirin in front of the Comelec office in Naguilian Road, Bauan, La Union. Based on investigations, the young Dumpit allegedly paid P300,000 to assassins. Michellena reportedly owned the house in San Julian village, West Agoo, where Rentuma and Moto stayed before killing. Cristino and Batuon also provided a place to stay for Rentuma and Moto. Banay, a member of security group of Cong. Dumpit, allegedly provided the motorcycle for the assassins. Arnel Moto drove the pickup van that brought Ares Moto and Rentuma to Michellena’s place. Lomibao said the police have strong evidence against the suspects. Reports said that Cong. Dumpit’s son Tomas Jr. ran for governor twice in previous elections but lost. In the last election, the older Dumpit allegedly offered Aspirin a new car and a huge amount of money to ensure the victory of his son, but the poll official refused. –GMANews.TV