PNP to look into allegations slain mayor was part of robbery group

October 28, 2019

The officer-in-charge of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said he will ask the Central Visayas police to include the alleged involvement of Clarin, Misamis Oriental Mayor David Navarro in a robbery group in their investigation on his death last week.

In a press briefing, Police Lieutenant General Archie Francisco Gamboa said he ordered creation of a special investigation task group (SITG) on the killing of Navarro in Cebu City last week while he was on a police vehicle.

The police vehicle was bringing Navarro to the prosecutors’ office where he will face charges filed against him for hurting and trying to take advantage of certain spa employees.

The family of Navarro claimed his police escorts did not retaliate as the suspects, believed to be around five to 10 masked men, dragged him out of the car and shot him. His police escort was shot in the foot while three aides were injured.

Navarro's family also denied his involvement in illegal activities.

“This is what we usually do if there is sensational case involving especially a mayor. So from there we will find out what were the lapses of the security escorts of the mayor and why they did not fire back,” said Gamboa.

“I expect the SITG to answer all of these questions when the final report comes in,” he added.

Though Gamboa did not confirm the alleged involvement of Navarro in a robbery group, he said the mayor was part of President Rodrigo Duterte’s narcolist.

“I will not confirm because I still have to find out the basis of that report and probably we will direct (Police) Regional (Office) 7 to include that in their SITG,” said Gamboa.

“They should dig on whatever (information) they can find,” he added. Ella Dionisio/DMS