PNP identifies 4 persons of interest in Infanta mayor shooting case

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has identified four persons of interest in connection with the shooting of Infanta, Quezon Mayor Filipina Grace America on February 27.

In a statement on Thursday, the PNP said police investigators presented sworn statements from four individuals who are expected to provide leads and link evidence to the persons seen on closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage relating to the incident.

During the 3rd conference of Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) “America” with the Election Related Incident Validation Committee, it was said that probers were able to collect “vital evidence” such as the CCTV footage showing the possible suspects within the vicinity of the crime scene.

Police Regional Office 4A Regional Director Police Brigadier General Antonio Yarra previously said America came from church on a Sunday morning and was about to get into a vehicle around 11 a.m. when the shooting happened.

America sustained four gunshot wounds and was airlifted to a medical facility in Manila, said Quezon Governor Danilo Suarez.

Initial investigation revealed that America had been receiving death threats that may be either job- or election-related.

“We are still in the process of determining how much of politics can really be involved in this slay try. Our coordination with the Commission on Elections regarding this incident is constant so as to identify the climate of violence that may persist in the area,” PNP Chief Police General Dionardo Carlos said.

According to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), America, who is seeking reelection, opposed the construction of the Kaliwa Dam, "which, once created, will submerge parts of Quezon and Rizal provinces, threaten wildlife and biodiversity, and displace indigenous communities in the area."

The CHR also announced that it will investigate the incident.

The Regional Forensic Unit 4A is also conducting a cross matching examination on the recovered pieces of evidence, PNP noted.

They added that America is asking for ample time so she can give her full testimony. — Giselle Ombay/BM, GMA News