Barangay official gunned down after cleanup drive

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a 59-year-old barangay councilor in Purok Puncian, Barangay Sta. Rosa, Murcia, Negros Occidental, on Monday, Jan. 26.

The victim was identified only as Kagawad “Joe” of Barangay Sta. Rosa.

According to Police Capt. Honey Labaro, chief of the Murcia Municipal Police Station, the victim had just alighted from a vehicle when an unidentified gunman shot him in the head at around 10:25 a.m.

The barangay official had reportedly come from a cleanup drive and was about to ride his motorcycle home when the shooting occurred.

He was rushed to a hospital, where he was declared dead. An autopsy will be conducted to determine other possible injuries, Labaro said.

As of this writing, police have no suspects. Labaro noted that potential witnesses are hesitant to come forward due to fear.

She also said the victim had not reported any threats to his life before the incident.

Investigators are still working to determine the motive behind the attack.