The Bacolod City Police Office yesterday released the facial sketch of the lone gunman who shot and killed Ilog Councilor Antonio “Karem” Gequillana at close range outside the East View Hotel in Bacolod City , Wednesday morning.

Based on the sketch provided by the National Bureau of Investigation, the suspect is about 25 to 40 years-old, 5 feet 6 inches tall, and of medium build with dark complexion.

Supt. Santiago Rapiz, Bacolod City police deputy director, and head of the “Task Force Gequillana”, said that with the release of the suspect's facial sketch the killing of the councilor will be resolved soon.

The suspension of 17 Silay City officials for eight months and one day as ordered by Deputy Ombudsman Pelagio Apostol is expected to start today, Mayor Jose “ Oti” Montelibano said.

Montelibano said they did not implement the suspension order immediately, because they were preparing for the transition, in order to avoid disruption of services to Silaynons, since it involves numerous department heads.

He, however, said they have already filed a motion for reconsideration to the Ombudsman's decision.

Vice President Jejomar Binay yesterday said he welcomes the Commission on Elections and the Department of Justice joint inquiry into allegations of electoral fraud and sabotage during the 2004 elections “so the truth will prevail”.

If there is evidence to support the allegations, Binay said he will support the move to file charges.

Binay, who was in Bacolod City for the 4 th Visayas Island Congress of the Vice Mayor's League of the Philippines at the Planta Hotel, said he was aware of the alleged election anomalies in 2004 being the campaign manager of Fernando Poe Jr. for a time.