The National Irrigation Authority (NIA) has offered P100,000 reward for any information that could help identify the gunmen behind the killing of its former legal researcher in Northern Mindanao, a police official said on Tuesday, Oct. 14.
Police Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano, director of the Police Regional Office 10, said NIA Administrator Eduardo Guillen formally relayed the reward offer to expedite the investigation into the October 10 killing of Niruh Kyle Antatico in Crossing Patag, Cagayan de Oro City.
Antatico, 40, a law graduate who left NIA Region 10 last year, was gunned down by motorcycle-riding men. Investigators suspect the killers were hired guns.
“Based on the modus operandi and the movements, our investigators have high confidence that they are gun-for-hire,” said Abrahano.
He added that one possible motive being explored is Antatico’s social media posts alleging corruption within the agency.
“There were social media posts. Apparently, he revealed allegations of corruption in the agency. He also mentioned a P75 million project,” said Abrahano.
“He had threats as early as last year but we’re looking into all angles, primarily from his former work at the NIA and other aspects outside of his work place,” he added.
Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr earlier ordered a thorough investigation into the killing of Antatico and assured the family and friends of the victim that police will focus on the case to identify and arrest those responsible in the soonest possible time.
“The PNP strongly condemns this act of violence. We assure the family of the victim and the public that we will focus on this case to identify and arrest all those behind this senseless killing,” said Nartatez. (Aaron Recuenco)
