Barangay councilor slain in Quiapo; alleged mastermind nabbed

MANILA, Philippines — A female barangay kagawad was gunned down by motorcycle-riding assailants in Quiapo, Manila on Aug. 13, the Manila Police District (MPD) reported yesterday.

Barangay 383 councilor Stella Mangalino Lim, 45, was walking with her 11-year-old son along Hidalgo street when she was attacked at past midnight on Aug. 13, according to television reports.

A former Barangay 383 councilor, Zacaria Baulan Disomangcop, was arrested and charged with murder before the Manila prosecutor’s office on Aug. 14.

The MPD, however, failed to catch alleged assailant Amanudin Sarip Macadaag and the unidentified motorcycle rider.

Police recovered the motorcycle and the two crash helmets near the Manila Golden Mosque.

Prior to his arrest, Disomangcop had gone to the MPD headquarters, claiming Lim’s assailants had asked him for soft drinks.

A witness identified Disomangcop as the mastermind in Lim’s killing, prompting his arrest.

MPD investigators found surveillance footage showing that days before the attack, Disomangcop talked to Macadaag and the motorcycle rider near where Lim sold balut or boiled duck egg.

According to reports quoting MPD director Brig. Gen. Arnold Ibay, Disomangcop planned to replace Lim as barangay councilor.