Negros baragay chief shot dead in office

CEBU, Philippines — Authorities are on a manhunt operation against three unidentified assassins who shot and killed a barangay chairman in Santa Catalina town, Negros Oriental Thursday morning.

Records from the Santa Catalina Police showed that the perpetrators shot Barangay San Pedro, Santa Catalina chairman Samuel Ragay right inside his own office at around 10 a.m. yesterday.

Ragay is the second cousin of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, case investigator Police Corporal Mark Anthony Dicdican said.

Barangay San Pedro treasurer Nenfa Herosa and another woman identified as Lorna Vingcoy were also wounded in the incident after they were hit by stray bullet.

Initial police investigation showed that the three victims were right inside the San Pedro barangay hall when the assassins suddenly barged in and demanded them to drop down on the floor.

The gunmen then shot Ragay. He was rushed to a nearby hospital in Santa Catalina, but he was declared dead on arrival.

Dicdican said he could not disclose further details on the motive and identity of the suspects, as the investigation on the murder is still ongoing.

Negros Oriental Provincial government spokesperson Bimbo Miraflor said over the phone that Degamo went to Santa Catalina to check on the situation.

At present, the governor has yet to issue a statement on his cousin's killing. — GAN (FREEMAN)