Party-list group’s officer shot dead

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna — A local officer of Anakpawis, a peasant group seeking a congressional seat in the party-list elections, was shot dead while he was on his way to their headquarters in Calapan City, Mindoro Oriental last Wednesday night.

Isaias Manalo, 23, Anakpawis secretary-general for Mindoro Oriental, died from bullet wounds in the head and abdomen. His companion, was unhurt.

Reports said Manalo was slain by a man who had tailed him and his companion after a meeting with Calapan mayoral bet Bodgie Ignacio.

The militant group Karapatan condemned Manalo’s killing and accused soldiers based in Mindoro Oriental of having a hand in it.

Karapatan said Manalo was part of a 61-man group which the military held "hostage" inside the Philippine Independent Church in Roxas town two weeks ago. — Rene Alviar, Arnell Ozaeta and Benjie Villa