Police have identified several persons of interest in the killing of Niruh Kyle Antatico, the former National Irrigation Administration (NIA) legal researcher and whistleblower who was gunned down in broad daylight on October 10 after exposing alleged corruption within the agency.

In an interview at Camp Crame, Police Regional Office 10 Director Brigadier General Christopher Abrahano said investigators are now looking into the possibility that the attack was carried out by a gun-for-hire group.

Authorities also confirmed that Antatico had been receiving death threats since last year, which is now being examined as part of the investigation.

Antatico was shot dead by two men on a motorcycle in Cagayan de Oro City shortly after he posted another social media update on supposed corruption within NIA Region 10.

Abrahano expressed confidence that the case will be resolved soon, citing progress in the ongoing probe.

Meanwhile, NIA Administrator Engr. Eddie Guillen announced a ₱100,000 cash reward for anyone who can provide credible information leading to the arrest of the suspects.

Antatico, who once worked as a legal researcher at NIA Region 10, had earlier gained public attention for exposing alleged “ghost projects” and fund misuse in government irrigation programs.