By MARK FRANCISCO
A warrant of arrest has been issued against a vice-mayoralty candidate in Balingoan, Misamis Oriental in relation to the murder of Maria Reyna-Xavier University Hospital medical director Dr. Raul Winston Andutan Jr. last December 2, 2021 in Nazareth, Cagayan de Oro City.
Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) director Col. Aaron Mandia identified Balingoan vice mayoralty candidate Richard Gepte as a prime suspect in the ambush-slay incident, adding that efforts to initially locate and place him under custody have failed.
Also issued an arrest warrant was Reynaldo Tortusa who escaped arrest during a raid in barangay San Alonzo, Balingoan, Misamis Oriental where three gun-for-hire suspects were arrested by police.
Mandia added that police highly believe that Gepte is the person who could shed light on both the mastermind and motive of Andutan’s death.
Gepte is running for vice mayor under Team Unity.
As of presstime, Team Unity has yet to issue a statement on the matter.
