NegOr Provincial Board member killed

CEBU, Philippines — The president of the Philippine Councilors League who sits as ex-officio member of the Provincial Board in Negros Oriental was shot dead while walking along Route 7 near the Silliman University Medical Center Monday afternoon.

Board Member Miguel Dungog succumbed to a single gunshot wound to his left cheek. The bullet also hit the phone he was using at that time.

Dungog was reportedly shot at close range as evidenced by the gunpowder in his face. Investigators recovered one empty shell of a caliber 45 pistol from the crime scene.

A witness reportedly saw the suspects riding a motorcycle but could not identify them because they were wearing bonnets.

Police said Dungog may have been looking for a parking space. He was shot about 50 meters away from his car.

Vice Governor Edward Mark Macias said Dungog asked permission to leave the board’s session so he could bring his child to the hospital for immunization.

Supt. Gregorio Galsim, OIC chief of the Dumaguete City Police, said they will look into all angles, including Dungog's previous works as chief of the National Bureau of Investigation and as councilor of Siaton town.

Negros Oriental Provincial Police Director Raul Tacaca said it is too early to say that the shooting is politically-motivated.

Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo has directed the police to fast track the investigation. —  JMO (FREEMAN)