Mayor REX Gatchalian is willing to award half a million pesos (Php 500,000) to anyone who could help the Philippine National Police (PNP) – Valenzuela identify the whereabouts of the gunman of former barangay captain, Marcelo ‘Elong’ de Guzman, of Barangay Parada.

In a press conference yesterday, a computerized facial composite (CFC) sketch of the suspect was presented to the media by PNP-Valenzuela. The crime witness describes the felon, who is still at large, as male, 5’8” to 6’0” in height, ages between 45-50 years old, medium built, fair complexion, and weighs between 65-75 kgs.

According to police reports, on July 15 at around 7:50 am, while Elong de Guzman was about to ride on his motorcycle to head for work, a man suddenly appeared and shot him twice on the head which caused his death.

Two slugs of .45 calibre pistols were recovered at the crime scene. The PNP-Valenzuela is studying angles that could be work-related, personal, or politically motivated.

The immediate family of the victim denies receiving any recent death threats. Even the Anti Cybercrime Group (ACG) of PNP, which examined the victim’s mobile phone, has not read any messages of intimidation.

Concerned citizens are encouraged to report vital information to police officers in-charge, Chief of Police PSSUPT Ronaldo R. Mendoza and PCI Rhoderick Juan of Station Investigation and Detective Management Branch through contact numbers 352-4000 local 4110 and 0908-3993975.

Elong de Guzman, brother of former Valenzuela City mayor Santiago de Guzman, was the current barangay secretary in Parada. His effectiveness in public service is known not only in his barangay but also in adjacent communities.