Batangas CITY , Philippines – A town mayor’s body guard and a 38-year-old balikbayan were shot dead by assassins in separate incidents that happened in Tanauan City and San Pascual town Thursday afternoon, police said.
Senior Superintendent Jesus Gatchalian, Batangas police director identified the victims as Armando Marquez, 54, a resident of RR Station, Barangay Calicanto, Batangas City; and a close-in bodyguard of Bauan Mayor Ryann Dolor and balikbayan Rogelio Awitan, a resident of Barangay Banadero in Tanauan City.
Rogelio is the brother of chairman Emeterio Awitan of said barangay.
According to report, Marquez was stepping out from the San Pascual cockpit arena when a lone gunman approached him from behind and shot him around 5:15 p.m.
Police said Marquez, a cockpit arena manager, was allegedly shot by a certain Marlon Gadol who escaped toward unknown direction after the incident.
Witnesses said Marquez was rushed to the Bauan Doctors Hospital but later died while being treated by Dr. Grace Hernandez. The victim sustained a single gunshot wound in his back from a .45 caliber pistol.
Further, in Tanauan City, Awitan, together with his mother Nemesia, 75, and brother Leonilo, 36, were on board a Honda Civic (VBA-238) when they were waylaid along the national highway near the Sambat exit in Barangay Natatas, Tanauan City around 3:30 p.m.
Rogelio died on the spot while Nemesia and Leonilo were wounded in the shooting and were rushed to the CP Reyes Hospital for treatment. – Arnell Ozaeta