Ilocos electric cooperative executive gunned down

CAMP FLORENDO, La Union, Philippines  – An official of the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) was shot dead by unidentified motorcycle-riding men at around 9:45 a.m. yesterday in Langayan, Currimao, Ilocos Norte.

Chief Superintendent Ramon Gatan, Ilocos police director, identified the victim as Lorenzo Rey Ruiz, 57, INEC board president and resident of Madamba, Dingras, Ilocos Norte.

The victim is the father of The STAR deskwoman Ma. Consuelo “Cheeko” Ruiz.

Gatan said the incident happened at the INEC compound while the victim, along with other INEC officials, was alighting from a van to attend a board meeting in Currimao.

Ruiz was allegedly the last to alight from the vehicle when the attackers suddenly appeared and shot him several times in the chest.

However, Ruiz’s driver managed to shoot back at the assailants, killing one and wounding two others.

One suspect was arrested while two others on board another motorcycle escaped.

Ruiz and the suspect were rushed to the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital in Batac, Ilocos Norte but both were declared dead on arrival.

Gatan said he ordered Ilocos Norte police director Senior Superintendent Benjamin Lusad to conduct manhunt operations for the suspects and determine the motive behind the ambush.

Ruiz had been the head of the highest earning cooperative in the province for five years.

An election of new officers is due this October, and many are reportedly eyeing Ruiz’s post.

Before the ambush, Ruiz had been receiving death threats, according to his driver.