7 slain in shootings

MANILA, Philippines — Seven persons, including two barangay captains were gunned down in Calabarzon, Cagayan and Surigao del Sur over the weekend.

Benito Ardilles, 48, chairman of Barangay Kinama in Rizal, Kalinga, was driving his motorcycle when he was shot by unidentified men on another motorbike in Barangay Roma in Enrile, Cagayan on Sunday.

In Batangas on Saturday, unidentified men shot barangay chairman Eduardo Panganuban of Taanghayaan, Taysan. He died on the way to the Sto. Rosario Hospital.

Norwel Balagso, 30, councilman of Barangay Caray, Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte, was unhurt in an ambush on Sunday.

Balagso was driving home his Toyota Altis from a Christmas party at the barangay hall when he was attacked.

Reports said Balagso sped off from the scene, where five bullet shells for an M16 rifle were recovered.

A lone gunman shot Dona Mar Gutierez in Barangay Mambog 3, Bacoor.

Businessman Mark Salvador, 30, and his wife Solivera, 42, a teacher, were in their sport utility vehicle when they were waylaid in Barangay Anibongan Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

In Quezon,  police said Romeo Lacson shot it out with anti-narcotics agents in a sting in Barangay Ibabang Dupay, Lucena on Sunday.

Mateo Bihag was shot by an alias Joseph Putol in Barangay San Francisco, General Trias, Cavite.

Marlow and Gloria, both surnamed Natividad, were hit by stray bullets and were taken to a hospital for treatment.

Probers are eyeing rivalry among drug suspects as the motive for the killing.– Raymund Catindig, Ben Serrano