Rights worker shot dead

CAMARINES NORTE, Philippines – The spokesperson for human rights group Karapatan in Sorsogon was shot dead by unidentified men in Barcelona town Wednesday night.

Teodoro Escanilla died while being treated at the Sorsogon Medical Mission Group Hospital and Health Services for several gunshot wounds in the body.

Superintendent Nonito Marquez, spokesman for the provincial police, said the assailants barged into Escanilla’s house in Barangay Tagdon and shot him several times.

Investigators recovered bullet shells for a .45 caliber pistol and rifle from the crime scene.

Aside from working for Karapatan, Escanilla hosted a program on local radio station dzMS.

Reports said he often criticized the alleged military abuses committed against the people of Sorsogon.