LAOAG CITY – Ilocos Norte Provincial Police confirmed that a possible love triangle is being investigated as a primary motive in the recent shooting of Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) President Mark Adrian “Macky” Barba.
According to Police Major Jephre Taccad, Chief of the Provincial Operations Management Unit, initial findings suggest that Barba’s alleged relationship with a married woman may be linked to the attack.
Taccad stated that the woman in question was reportedly involved with Barba in a business venture, which likely led to their close association.
The Special Investigation Task Group continues to examine CCTV footage, which captured a white van fleeing the scene; the footage has been submitted to the Anti-Cybercrime Unit for analysis.
Further details were confirmed by San Nicolas Municipal Police Station Chief Captain Randy Damo, who said that Barba’s family has yet to release an official statement on the incident.
Forensic teams are still analyzing the bullet trajectories, noting that three vehicles were involved in the attack.
Taccad added that a person from the second district is under investigation as a potential suspect due to known disputes with Barba.
Medico-legal results from the victims’ examination are expected to be released today.
Meanwhile, Taccad also disclosed that political motives are being considered in the recent shooting of Barangay Chairman Francisco Bagay Jr. of San Nicolas, based on the findings of the Special Investigation Task Group.
It can be recalled that Chairman Bagay was shot in September, and ABC President Barba was targeted in a similar incident in October, that includes two of his bodyguards.