Mindoro power co-op exec shot dead

BATANGAS, Philippines — An official of the Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative (Ormeco) was killed in an attack by a motorcycle-riding assailant in the town of Pinamalayan on Friday night.

Tony Mendeja, 64, who was in a sport utility vehicle, pulled over in Barangay Delrazon at around 8:30 p.m. to check the engine of his SUV.

Witnesses said a man on a motorcycle pulled over beside Mendeja’s vehicle.

Without any provocation, the man drew a gun and shot the victim multiple times, according to Lt. Col. Joel Paningbatan, chief of the Pinamalayan police.

Responding police officers and barangay watchmen rushed Mendeja to the Oriental Mindoro Central District Hospital, where he died while being treated of gunshot wounds in the body.

Mendeja was a member of the board of directors of the Ormeco, representing the towns of Bongabong and Bansud.

Reports said Mendeja was on his way home from Calapan City where he attended the signing of a memorandum of agreement for a solar light project.

Oriental Mindoro Gov. Humerlito Dolor condemned the killing.

Dolor said he directed provincial police director Col. Edison Revita to conduct a deeper investigation into the killing and ensure swift delivery of justice.

Police formed a special investigation task group to probe the incident.