Negros Occ town councilor shot dead

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines - A councilor of Ilog town in Negros Occidental was shot dead at close range by a lone gunman in front of a hotel in this city yesterday morning.

The police identified the fatality as Councilor Antonio Gequillana Jr., in his early 40s, who was declared dead on arrival at the Bacolod Doctor's Hospital, where he was brought by rescuing policemen.

Superintendent Ricardo de la Paz, director of the Bacolod City Police Office, said Gequillana succumbed to three fatal shots through his back.

Initial police investigations, based on the testimony of the security guard of the East View Hotel located along the Circumferential Road, stated that Gequillana was going out of the hotel at around 10:30 a.m., and was about to board his Hilux vehicle while answering a call on his cellphone when the gunman approached and shot him at close range.

When the councilor fell on the ground at the side of his vehicle the gunman allegedly fired three more shots at the victim, reports said.

The security guard told the police he had earlier noticed the gunman standing in front of the hotel across the road apparently waiting for Gequillana. He described the suspect as dark, medium-built, and was wearing a black jacket and camouflage pants, not wearing any bonnet or helmet, and was riding a motorcycle.

The security guard, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said the gunman fled towards the north direction. He said he has no firearm with him at the time the reason why he was unable to accost the assailant.

Gequillana reportedly went into the hotel to have coffee where he was a constant and known costumer. Police investigators could not ascertain yet the motive of the crime.

Recovered from the scene of the crime were five empty slugs of the .45 caliber pistol and the cellphone of the victim.

De la Paz has ordered the creation of Task Group Gequillana, which will be headed by his deputy, Supt. Santiago Rapiz, to investigate and solve the case.

Earlier on Monday, a barangay kagawad in E.B. Magalona town was also shot dead. Police identified the victim as Rolando Lozada, 41, of Sitio Manyague in Brgy. Canslusong.