QC bet’s nephew killed

MANILA, Philippines - A nephew of a candidate for barangay kagawad or councilor shot dead in front of his house on P. Florentino street in Barangay Sto. Domingo, Quezon City at past noon yesterday.

Bayani Tabirao died of two gunshot wounds in the nape at the Capitol Medical Center, said Chief Superintendent Richard Albano, director of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD).

The victim was the nephew of Alexander Tabirao, a candidate for kagawad in the same barangay.

QCPD deputy director for administration Senior Superintendent Joel Pagdilao said three suspects – Oscar Ogena, Mark Khristopher Lee, and James Mendoza – were arrested following the incident.

The two unidentified gunmen, however, escaped and remain at large.

QCPD Station 1 commander Superintendent Osmundo de Guzman said the victim was in front of his house after voting when a Mitsubishi Lancer driven by Mendoza arrived, reportedly carrying the two gunmen.

Lee and Ogenda allegedly fetched the gunmen from the car, De Guzman said. After the attack, the car got stuck on the street due to parked motorcycle, prompting the two gunmen to flee on foot and board a passing jeepney.

Policemen arrested the driver and the two alleged accomplices, who were left behind.

Police officials said they could not determine yet if the attack was election-related.

Albano said despite the violence, the conduct of the barangay elections was generally peaceful. He also said there were reports of alleged vote buying in Barangays Roxas District and Sto. Domingo, but “these turned out negative.”

Albano said there were minor scuffles in Barangay Old Balara yesterday morning but these were immediately addressed to prevent further violence.