By CESAR JOLITO III

Authorities are zeroing in on a possible mastermind behind the brazen killing of a school administrator-businessman at Barangay Dancalan in Negros Occidental’s Ilog town, as police continue to identify more persons of interest in the case.

Ilog police chief Major Randy Babor confirmed that the investigation into the slay of Philip George Vail Sr., school administrator of Dancalan Private Academy on August 5, has expanded with new leads linking several individuals to the attack.

“We now have additional persons of interest, including a possible mastermind,” Babor said.

“However, we cannot disclose details at this time to safeguard the integrity of the investigation,” he added.

Vail was gunned down in broad daylight, sparking public outrage and calls for swift justice.

Police have since launched a manhunt for his assailants, one of whom, 34-year-old Vannie Galagate, was killed in a shootout with pursuing officers shortly after the shooting.

Galagate, police said, had a record of involvement in a previous shooting incident.

Investigators are now working to determine whether Galagate acted under orders and if the killing was connected to the victim’s work or business interests./CJ, WDJ