Pampanga village chief running for councilor slain

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines — A barangay captain seeking a seat in the city council here was shot dead by unidentified motorcycle-riding men yesterday.

Reports reaching Brig. Gen. Matthew Baccay, Central Luzon police director, identified the fatality as Alvin Mendoza, chairman of Barangay Alasas.

Mendoza was driving his sport utility vehicle with his family members when he was shot in Purok 3, Barangay Magliman. He died while being treated at the San Fernandino Hospital.

His companions were unhurt.

Footage from a closed-circuit television camera at the scene showed two men on a motorcycle blocking Mendoza’s vehicle and shooting the victim at close range.

A gunman on another motorcycle fired more shots before the suspects drove off.

Baccay said investigation into the incident would be a priority even as he appealed for public support for the quick resolution of the case.

He said San Fernando may be declared an election area of concern due to the incident.

Pampanga Gov. Dennis Pineda condemned the killing as he expressed sympathy to the family of the victim.

“The investigation should conclude with the mastermind and killers identified and charged,” he said.

Pineda noted that the murder of barangay captain Rainer Asban of Sto. Niño in Guagua town in January remains unresolved.

He said former Rogelio Salvador, a candidate for councilor in San Simon town, and his two companions were also killed in a gun attack last November. - Ding Cervantes, Ric Sapnu