Barangay official gunned down

Policemen cordon the area in Barangay San Jose, E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental where a barangay kagawad was gunned down Wednesday. (Photo courtesy of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office)

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – A barangay official was shot dead at Bangga Pepe, Barangay San Jose, E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental Wednesday.

The victim was identified as Ian Negrido, 41, kagawad of Barangay 18-A, Victorias City.

Lieutenant Minardo Ellaga, deputy police chief of E.B. Magalona Municipal Police Station, said the victim was on his way home on board a motorcycle when he was reportedly tailed and shot by unidentified perpetrators.

Ellaga said the victim suffered seven gunshot wounds and was declared dead on arrival at a hospital.

Ellaga said they are checking the text messages on the victim’s cellular phone to determine if they could link it to the incident.

“May mga kaso sila kuno na gina storyahon sa phone, icheck ta,” he added.

Police have yet to establish the motive, but they are looking into work-related as one of the possible angles, as the victim was also working as a safety officer in a building here.

Ellaga said there’s no witness, as the area is far from the houses, though some residents heard gunshots from afar.