Ilocos Sur councilor bet killed

MAGSINGAL, Ilocos Sur , Philippines  – A candidate for councilor in this town was gunned down in front of his home Thursday night, police said. 

The victim, Cecilio Tolentino, a former provincial manager of the National Food Authority, just came out of his home for fresh air after dinner when two men appeared from the dark and fired at him, investigators said.

Three bullets pierced through his chest, killing him instantly.

Lawyer Edgar Guzman, a mayoral bet with whom Tolentino was aligned, suspects that the killing was politically motivated, saying Tolentino had received death threats since he filed his certificate of candidacy.

Police have launched a manhunt for the gunmen based on the description provided by a woman eyewitness.