Masbate village chief, driver slain

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – A barangay captain and his driver were gunned down in front of their residence by a lone assailant along Gomez street in Barangay Divisoria, Cawayan, Masbate shortly after midnight yesterday,  a report reaching Camp General Simeon Ola here said.

Superintendent Renato Bataller, Bicol police spokesman, identified the victims as Roman Tonacao, chairman of Barangay Mahayahay and Edison Tarucan, 36, a resident of Barangay Begia.

Bataller said Tarucan died on the spot while Tonacao was pronounced dead on arrival at the Cawayan District Hospital.

Witnesses identified the suspect as Dario Pepito, a resident of Cebu City.

Cawayan police recovered two slugs and six empty shells from a caliber. 45 pistol at the crime scene.

Bataller said police are still investigating the motive for the killing.

Masbate is among the provinces in Bicol identified as “areas of immediate concern” by the Commission on Elections. – Cet Dematera, Celso Amo