Village chief, kin killed in ambush

BANGUED, Abra, Philippines — A barangay chairman and his niece were killed while three others were wounded in an ambush in Bangued, Abra on Tuesday night.

The fatalities – Ezequiel Parado, 35, chairman of Barangay Collago in Lagayan town, and his niece, Arlene Dorias – died while being treated in a hospital.

Parado’s wife Ailyn, who is a member of the municipal council, and their companions, Edron Salingbay and Jaypee Cagayan, were rushed to the same hospital for treatment of gunshot wounds, probers said.

The victims were taken to the hospital by members of the Dolores town police, who were passing by the area and saw the aftermath of the attack, which occurred in Barangay Calaba.

Investigation showed the Parados were in a Toyota Fortuner while their companions were in another car when the assailants opened fire at them as the vehicles were crossing Calaba Bridge.

Authorities have yet to determine the motive for the attack and identify suspects.