Authorities in Nueva Ecija are searching for a former police officer considered the suspect in the killing Barangay Chairman Mark Vic Pascual in Jaen.

The suspect was linked to the crime after closed circuit television (CCTV) footage identified his car as the getaway vehicle. Police later found the car in Cabanatuan City.

"Simula ng mangyari ang insidente, bumuo ang ating provincial office ng special investigation task group... araw-araw, walang tigil kaming nag-review ng mga CCTV... at positive nga, nandoon yung sasakyan," Lt. Col. George Calauad, Chief of Provincial Investigation and Detective Management, said.

A search warrant served at the cop’s residence led authorities to find a pistol, bullets, a grenade, and suspected shabu.

However, the suspect was not home at that time.

"Isa pala siyang dating pulis dito sa Nueva Ecija na na-dismiss dahil sa AWOL," Calauad said.

Recovered items are being examined to confirm their connection to the crime as the investigation continues.