Councilman shot dead

CEBU, Philippines — An incumbent barangay councilor in Sawang Calero, Cebu City, was killed in a shooting incident allegedly carried out by a riding-in-tandem on the dawn of Saturday, January 3.

The victim was identified as 62-year-old Ramon Diamante.

According to the initial investigation by the Sawang Calero Police Station 6, Diamante was discovered covered in blood along General Genes Street in the said barangay when reported around 5:20 a.m.

He was brought to the Cebu City Medical Center for immediate medical treatment but was later declared dead on arrival.

Before the incident, Diamante, who was also a fish trader, was seen walking from Pasil Fishport with his neighbors, who were also porters. It was during this time that the councilor was suddenly shot by two men riding a motorcycle, and then fled to an unknown location.

Based on the initial investigation by the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) team, at least two unidentified bullet casings were recovered as evidence at the crime scene.

The police immediately conducted manhunt operations to further investigate the incident.

In an interview with Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) information officer, Police Lieutenant Colonel Jose Los Ba os, he confirmed that authorities had already identified two persons of interest as suspects.

However, Los Ba os refused to disclose their identities, citing police protocols and the ongoing investigations.

He added that the motive for the crime is believed to be related to the shooting of two brothers in the same barangay on December 25.

 Based sa background, in relation gihapon ni katung sa shooting incident may Sitio Buwaran,  Los Ba os told The Freeman yesterday.

It was previously reported that on Christmas Day, two brothers were shot dead by two of their neighbors in Sitio Buwaran, Barangay Sawang Calero.

The gunman was immediately arrested following a hot pursuit operation, while the other one, who was said to be involved as a lookout, was still at large at that time.

Sawang Calero Police said that personal grudge was considered the motive for the December 25 shooting.

Meanwhile, for the recent shooting incident on January 3, the city police are continuing to deepen their investigation and launch manhunt operations to immediately catch the perpetrators and determine the actual motive for the murder of the barangay councilor.

Currently, the victim's family and relatives, as well as local officials of Barangay Sawang Calero, are calling for justice for Diamante's tragic death. (CEBU NEWS)