BACOLOD City – A 59-year-old barangay councilor of Barangay Sta. Rosa, Murcia, Negros Occidental was shot dead in a broad daylight attack on Monday morning, January 26.
Police identified the victim as a resident of Purok Relocation in the same barangay.
According to the Murcia Municipal Police Station (MPS), the shooting occurred at around 10:25 a.m. in Purok Puncian, Barangay Sta. Rosa, shortly after the victim had alighted from a Mitsubishi Highlander upon returning from a barangay clean-up drive.
Initial investigation showed that unidentified suspect(s) suddenly opened fire, hitting the victim in the head. The assailant(s) immediately fled toward Murcia Proper.
The victim was rushed to the Murcia Health Unit but was declared dead on arrival by attending physician Dr. Ivan Bandiola.
Responding officers from the Murcia MPS, led by Capt. Honey G. Labaro, acting chief of police, immediately proceeded to the scene to verify the report and conduct an initial investigation.
Police have launched follow-up operations to identify and locate the suspect(s). Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) were requested to assist in the investigation, while hot pursuit and dragnet operations were conducted with the assistance of nearby police units.
Authorities said the motive behind the killing has yet to be determined. The investigation is ongoing./PN
