Report: Deputy linked to Ilocos fire marshal's death surrenders

A deputy linked to the fatal shooting of the provincial fire marshal of Ilocos Sur surrendered to authorities a little over 24 hours after the incident. Radio Mindanao Network-Vigan on Thursday reported that provincial deputy fire marshal Reymunico Acena turned himself in to police shortly after 9 p.m. Wednesday. Acena was linked to the shooting of provincial fire marshal Superintendent Ruben Pascua. [See: Hunt on for deputy who shot dead Ilocos Sur fire marshal] Vigan City police head Superintendent Elpidio Nartatez said Acena sent feelers to them through his brother Manuel, a local village chief. Local authorities fetched Acena near the boundary of Ilocos Sur and La Union provinces, and then turned him over to the Vigan City police. Police are preparing murder charges against Acena. Initial investigation showed the shooting incident occurred in the victim's office in Vigan City before 9 p.m. Tuesday, when Acena showed up just as Pascua and some firemen were having dinner. Pascua invited Acena to his office, after which the firemen outside heard at least two gunshots. Acena was seen fleeing the area on a motorcycle, according to a report on dzBB radio. Local police suspect the incident was work-related, citing witnesses who said Acena had questioned Pascua's absence and gas allocations. — LBG/RSJ, GMANews.TV