Execution-style slay of Isabela kagawad triggers ₱50K bounty hunt

ECHAGUE, Isabela – Authorities have offered a ₱50,000 cash reward to anyone who can provide information leading to the identification and arrest of the gunmen behind the fatal shooting of former barangay chairman and incumbent Barangay Malibago Kagawad Lito Publico, 66.

The reward was jointly announced by local government officials and the Isabela Police Provincial Office as investigators intensify efforts to solve the brazen killing that occurred a week ago.

Publico, who previously served as barangay chairman and was elected as a barangay kagawad, was known for his continued involvement in community affairs before his death.

He was gunned down on the morning of July 17 inside his farm resort compound in Barangay Malibago, Echague. Initial police reports said unidentified motorcycle-riding assailants arrived at around 8:00 a.m. and repeatedly opened fire on the village official, leaving him with multiple gunshot wounds. He died on the spot.

A week after the attack, the gunmen remain at large.

Isabela Police Provincial Director Col. Manuel Bringas said personnel from the Echague Municipal Police Station, the Isabela Police Provincial Office, and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) are conducting joint hot-pursuit operations to identify and arrest those responsible.

Investigators are also pursuing several angles to determine the motive behind the killing.

Authorities urged anyone with information that could help identify or locate the suspects to immediately come forward, assuring the public that the identities of informants will be kept strictly confidential.

Police expressed hope that the ₱50,000 bounty will encourage witnesses and individuals with vital information to cooperate with authorities as they continue their pursuit of justice for the killing of Publico.