Still no persons of interest in killing of bizwoman linked to investment scam

Police investigators still have no persons of interest in the death of Annabelle Cosido Elizagaque, a 51-year-old businesswoman, who was shot in her vehicle around 2 p.m. last Saturday along Diversion Road in Barangay Maa here, an official of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) said on Monday. The victim was reportedly among the individuals behind the now defunct Rigen, which offered investment packages similar to “Ponzi” scheme that promised high returns to investors, accord- ing to an information released by police.

Major Catherine dela Rey, DCPO spokesperson, told MindaNews on Monday that authorities are still investigating the incident.

She said they have yet to check the footages from any nearby CCTV cameras that could lead to the identification of the three unknown male assailants.

Dela Rey added that they are also looking into the recent business dealings of the victim that could aid authorities in their in- vestigation to determine the possible motive for her death.

She said investigators have yet to know if Elizagaque received any threats to her life from individuals with whom she transacted business.

“We are doing our best to resolve this case and give her justice,” Dela Rey said.

She said that police authorities are not discounting the possibility that her death might have been motivated by her involvement in the Ponzi scheme or in her other businesses.

To improve the livelihood of farmers in Davao Region’s farthest municipality, the Department of Agriculture regional office (DA-11) turned over six heads of native goats to the Balut Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (BATODA) in Sarangani, Davao Occidental province.

In a statement Monday, Ray Reintar, DA-11 Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer for Davao Occidental, said the goats were handed over to the group Saturday under its Organic Agriculture Program (OAP).

The goats will be raised by the 88 farmer-cum tricycle driver-members of the association for meat production.

The DA, according to Reintar, is promoting goat farming, especially in far-flung areas, as it only requires minimal initial investment since goats only eat tree leaves, grasses, weeds, and agricultural by-products.

“This will also contribute to the growth of the goat industry in the region,” he added.

During the distribution, DA11 regional OAP coordinator

Janice May Seraspe discussed with the group members the proper management and advantages of organic goat production.

Across the region, she said 29 heads of upgraded native goat have been turned over so far to six group beneficiaries in various municipalities.

The BATODA also received vegetable seeds and Madre de Agua seedlings which is a highly-recommended forage for livestock animals.

BATODA chairperson Vicente Mericullo thanked the agency for the assistance given them and reminded each beneficiary to take care and hopefully increase the population of the animals.

Meanwhile, Mayor Adelan de Arce said the assistance was a big help for the municipality as it continues to experience a shortage of meat products.

“I thank DA-11 that despite the challenge of reaching our municipality, their assistance has arrived. This will provide our farmers additional income and improve the quality of goat meat production in Sarangani,” he said. (PNA)