ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Police stepped up security after a barangay captain was gunned down Monday in Sominot town, Zamboanga del Norte in what authorities suspected could be related to the upcoming barangay elections.
The victim was identified as Rudolfo Lao Jr., 41, married and incumbent barangay chairman of Tungawan, according to the Sominot town police.
Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, spokesman of Police Regional Office 9 (PRO), said investigation disclosed that the victim was on board his motorcycle bound for his hometown from Pagadian City, Zamboanga del sur when he was flagged down by two unidentified armed suspects at Barangay Sicpao, Sominot town about 9 a.m. Monday.
“Lao tried to escape but the suspects fired at him,†Huesca said.
The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds on his back and head that caused his death.
The suspects fled, leaving seven spent shells which were believed to be discharged from the .45 caliber pistol used by the suspects.
Sominot police are still investigating to determine the motive for the killing.