Brgy chairman survives slay try by 7 men

CEBU, Philippines -  A barangay captain was wounded after at least seven persons tried to kill him Tuesday afteroon at Tigbauan town in Iloilo.

Elmer Tuvillara, 46, who is now on his last term as barangay captain of Bagacay in Tigbauan, suffered two gunshot injuries on his buttocks.

Police reports said Tuvillara was riding a tricycle from the town proper on his way home to Bagacay when the incident happened.

Two persons reportedly flagged the tricycle along sitio Bolocaue of Bagacay. When it stopped, another two persons approached the tricycle and forcibly grabbed Tuvillara out.

When another tricycle passenger helped him, one of the suspects said cautioned the passenger against helping. This momentary distraction gave Tuvillara the chance to scamper away downhill.

Two other persons gave chase and fired shots at him. As he continued to run for his life, another person ran after him. When the wounded Tuvillara reached the main road, the suspects did not pursue him anymore.

Senior Inspector Janelo Gepana, Tigbauan Police chief, said they have yet to identify the suspects in the incident. No motive was established behind Tuvillara's murder attempt.

“Even the victim could not think of any reason why someone wanted him dead,” Gepana said.

Tuvillara, for his part, said he did not figure in a fight with any person, and that he never received any threat to his life before.  (FREEMAN)