PHILIPPINE National Police chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos yesterday said that at least four “persons of interest” are being eyed in connection with the shooting of Infanta, Quezon Mayor Filipina Grace America last February 27.

The Special Investigation Task Group America has identified the 4 “POIs” as it continue to dig deeper into the gun attack in Bgy. Poblacion 1 in Infanta, which wounded the mayor, shortly after she attended a church service.

Carlos said that the SITG “America” has collected vital pieces of evidence such as the closed-circuit television footages, showing the possible suspects, within the vicinity of the crime scene.

During the third conference of SITG “America,” along with the Election Related Incident Validation Committee, Carlos said that police investigators also presented sworn statements from four personalities that are expected to provide leads and link evidence to the persons of interests seen on CCTV footages.

The Regional Forensic Unit 4A has already conducted cross matching examination on the recovered , said Police Regional Office 4-A director Brig. Gen. Antonio Yarra.

Yarra said that the local official is known for her unwavering stand against quarrying in the town. He added that the wounded mayor had also admitted having received death threats in the past, which are 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,” the country’s top cop said.

Seeking re-election in May 9, Mayor America has asked the SITF to give her ample time before giving her full testimony regarding the attempt on her life. With Blessie Amor Vicente and Joanne Rosario (OJTs)

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Alfred P. Dalizon