TAYUG– The town’s police appears headed for a collision with the mayor in an effort to enforce the law.

This became apparent after three bodyguards of the mayor were tagged as suspects in a murder on Tuesday, but have repeatedly snubbed the invitation of the police for questioning.

Senior Inspector Michael Deskeo, officer-in-charge of the Tayug police, said they invited the bodyguards of Mayor Carlos Mapili for questioning but they refused.

The suspects have also turned down the police’s request to take custody of the suspected get-away vehicle, a stainless owner-type jeep with Plate No. ADY-197.

The mayor’s bodyguards were identified by two witnesses, now under the protection of the police, as the suspects who opened fire on Elmer Avestruz, 44, while he was walking towards his home after buying pandesal.

Five empty shells of Cal. 45 pistols were found by investigators near the crime scene.

Hit by stray bullet on the left leg was Alfredo Batican, who at that time was inside his tricycle while waiting for a niece coming from Manila.

Deskeo himself led his men in chasing the owner-type jeep used by the suspects as a get-away but the chase ended in front of Mapili’s house in barangay New Magallanes. The vehicle was seen parked inside.

Mayor Mapili was in Baguio during the incident to accompany his wife who underwent surgical operation. He arrived in Tayug three days later.

Deskeo said they tried to take custody of the jeep but Mapili’s head of security, Alas Pastor, told them just to come back the following day.

When the police returned, Pastor again refused to surrender the vehicle.

The stainless owner-type jeep is believed to be owned by one Bimbo Clutario of barangay Panganiban, Tayug, one of the mayor’s bodyguard.

“We will file the appropriate charges against the suspects or else we will be the laughing stock in the whole town,” said Deskeo.

Deskeo, whose status as officer-in-charge of the town’s police remains until the mayor designates him as police chief, said he does not mind being removed ultimately and he will not stand down lest he be accused by his superiors of dereliction of duty. —LM

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