TACLOBAN CITY – The Municipal Agriculture Officer (MAO) of Villaba, Leyte, who also serves as a lay minister, was fatally shot by unidentified assailants on Sunday (June 9).
The victim, known as alias “Marcing,” 52, and a resident of Brgy. Poblacion, Leyte town, was attacked after conducting masses in two barangays in the neighboring town of Leyte, Leyte. Authorities discovered the victim lying on the ground, succumbing to gunshot wounds in various parts of his body in Brgy. Cabungahan, some 13 kilometers away from Villaba town proper.
The victim, accordingly, was driving a black car from Brgys. Bagabao and Mataloto when he was shot by the assailants who used a .45 caliber pistol, leading to his instantaneous death. After the attack, the suspects immediately fled on foot towards the interior of the barangay.
The perpetrators reportedly took the victim’s sling bag, which contained cash, a cellphone, and even the sacramental bread. Local authorities have launched an investigation to identify the motive behind the attack and to arrest the suspects. By Marie Tonette Marticio (EV Mail June 10-16, 2024 issue)
