Batangas village chief stabbed dead

BATANGAS, Philippines – A 44-year-old barangay captain was stabbed and shot dead over a spat with a tricycle association’s president in Batangas City Wednesday afternoon, police said.

Superintendent Manuel Abu, Batangas City police chief identified the victim as Roberto Mendoza, chairman of Barangay 6 and resident of Dolor Subdivision of said barangay.

Police are now hunting down Mendoza’s alleged assailant identified as Marco Matibag, 42, alias Mako, president of the Ferry Trike Association.

According to report, Mendoza was checking the association’s terminal in front of Dolor Subdivision when he instructed the tricycle drivers to clean their station after noticing some garbage scattered all over the place.

Witness Efren Dimaunahan narrated to police that when Mendoza asked Matibag to sweep the clatter, the suspect said – “bakit ako mag-wawalis e ako ang pangulo dito?”

Mendoza, who was visibly irritated with Matibag’s statement, answered back and said – “ kung ako nga kapitan nag-wawalis dito, bakit di mo magawa?,” Dimaunahan narrated.

Subsequently, a heated argument ensued between the two until Matibag pulled out a knife and lunged at Mendoza’s stomach.

Although wounded, Mendoza was able to pull out his .45 caliber pistol but was grabbed by Matibag when the barangay official fell on the ground.

Matibag then fired several shots at Mendoza, hitting the victim in different parts of his body and died instantly.

The suspect fled towards unknown direction after the incident, bringing along Mendoza’s firearm with him, police investigators said.