Barangay chief, councilors shot dead in Cavite

Gunman, former tanod, kills self

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — A barangay chairman and two of his councilors were killed by a former barangay watchman, who also shot himself dead, during a flag-raising ceremony in Barangay Salitran 3, Dasmariñas City, Cavite yesterday.

The victims were identified as barangay captain Raul Atarde Ballos, 56; and councilors Jose Lagones, 65, and Marvin Cañete, 54.

Sangguniang Kabataan secretary Christine Joseph Bonus was seriously wounded.

Probers identified the suspect as alias Ariel, 50, a former barangay tanod who was reported to have been absent for one week due to an illness.

Initial investigation showed that the victims were standing in line for the regular Monday morning flag-raising ceremony when Ariel approached from behind and opened fire.

Ariel shot himself after the incident. He was rushed to St. Paul Medical Center where he was declared dead on arrival.

The chairman, councilors and youth secretary were rushed to various hospitals. Two of them were declared dead on arrival.

Police investigators are checking information that Ariel failed to report for work prior to the incident.

Probers are also verifying reports that the suspect went to the treasury section of the barangay hall to claim his P6,000 allowance.

However, the amount was allegedly not released, which reportedly irked Ariel.