Village chief killed, another wounded in gun attack

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  - A village chairman was killed while his companion was seriously wounded when three gunmen attacked them while harvesting mangoes in a village of Liloy town, Zamboanga del Norte, the police here said Thursday.

The police identified the slain victim as Felomino Antiquina, 51, barangay captain of Tapalan, Salug town while injured was Reynaldo Gumera, 42, also a resident of  Tapalan.

The police said the victims’ other companion identified as Wilmer Tacloban escaped and  is unhurt.

Police Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, Spokesman of Police Regional Office 9 (PRO), said investigation disclosed that the victims were resting after harvesting mangoes in the property of Germinigildo Ague when three unidentified gunmen suddenly appeared and fired at the victims about 8:35 a.m Tuesday at Barangay Candelaria, Liloy town.

Huesca said the suspects carted away the victims’ motorcycle, wallet, and the ignition key of their multicab before escaping towards unknown direction.

Responding police forces reported Antiquina, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds,  died on the spot while Gumera was rushed to the Liloy Integrated Hospital for treatment.

The police recovered 22 empty shells of .45 caliber pistol, an empty shell of bullet for M16 rifle, and slugs slugs of .45 caliber pistol.

Police believed the motive of the attack is robbery but  are also considering political motives as the victim is also a supporter of a political party.