Prominent Nueva Vizcaya lawyer shot

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — A prominent lawyer here was still fighting for his life as of presstime after two motorcycle-riding men shot him while on board his car before noon yesterday.

The victim, Virgilio Castro, 52, former president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines’ local chapter, was about 50 meters away from his residence in neighboring Solano town when he was attacked, police said. He had come from a court hearing in this capital town.

Four of the five caliber .45 bullets that pierced the tinted window of Castro’s Mitsubishi Lancer hit him in the chest, police said.

Probers could not say what the motive could be behind the attack on Castro, who has handled several controversial cases, including the kidnap-slaying of Allan Que and graft and corruption complaints against local officials.

He is currently the legal counsel of Santiago City Mayor Jose Miranda in his electoral case against former mayor Amelita Navarro.