Ex-village official killed in daylight gun attack

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A former village official was killed in a broad daylight shooting on the morning of August 5 in La Paz, Iloilo City.

Ernie Poral, 65, former barangay captain of Ingore, La Paz, reportedly died instantly in the attack.

Two gunshots were heard before Poral, bloodied, slumped on the pavement.

An 8-year-old schoolgirl, on her way to school, witnessed the incident. She told her mother that the motorcycle-riding suspect got off the vehicle, approached Poral, and shot him.

The gunman was allegedly wearing a black crash helmet and a black jacket.

Colonel Kim Legada, Iloilo City police chief, said CCTV footage showed the gunman shot Poral from about two feet away. He aimed at Poral’s head and fired a finishing shot while the victim was on the ground.

According to reports, Poral and his wife went to the Barangay Baldoza flea market separately.

His wife bought vegetables while Poral proceeded to purchase fowl feed. Vangie, Poral’s wife, did not witness the incident but heard two gunshots.

The suspect immediately sped off on a black Yamaha Mio motorcycle heading towards Barangay La Granja.

Legada said they are investigating reports of threats against Poral.

While the motive is still unknown as of press time, investigators are discounting the possibility that the gunman was a contract killer.

CONDEMNATION

Iloilo City lone district Rep. Julienne Baronda and Mayor Jerry Treñas condemned Poral’s assassination.

Baronda said she was at a loss for words upon learning what happened to Poral. She called on the Iloilo City Police Office for the immediate resolution of the case and offered her condolences to Poral’s family.

Treñas also condemned the killing and asked ICPO to bring those responsible to justice immediately. He added that such an act has no place in a civilized society.