AGOO, La Union – The suspect in the murder of former La Union 2nd district Representative Eufranio “Franny” Eriguel pleaded not guilty during his arraignment at the Regional Trial Court Branch 32 here Friday.
Felizardo Villanueva, alias “Rambo”, sounded no other words except saying that he is not culpable on the four counts of murder, five frustrated murder, and one attempted murder, filed against him by police investigators.
Judge Ethelwolda Jaravata appointed a lawyer from the Public Attorneys Office to serve as Rambo’s counsel.
Probers in the assassination are looking into the possibility that Villanueva, a defeated candidate for barangay chairman of Capas, where the killing took place, may become a star witness to speed up the resolution of the case.
Villanueva allegedly served as the guide and lookout of the gunmen in accomplishing their mission.
Rep. Sandra Eriguel, the widow of the slain ex-solon, said they would likely agree if Villanueva becomes a star witness because he is vital, she said, in identifying the mastermind in the killing.
Villanueva is currently under the custody of the La Union provincial jail.
The ex-lawmaker was gunned down by masked assassins last May 12 in the said village in Agoo while speaking before candidates in the Barangay Elections. His two bodyguards and a supporter died in with him. Jun Elias/Northbound Philippines News