TACLOBAN CITY – A village chair and a motorcycle-for-hire driver were killed in a shooting incident in Brgy. Bagabao, Leyte, Leyte on Thursday, October 24.
The victims were identified as Mary Ann Bacunawa, Punong Barangay of Brgy. Mataloto, and an alias “Mar,” the driver.
Initial investigations revealed that the victims were traveling on a motorcycle from Brgy. Bagabao towards Brgy. Mataloto when the suspect, described as a man wearing a black shirt and pants, with long hair, a bonnet, appeared and opened fire. Bacunawa sustained fatal head injuries and was found dead at the crime scene. Mar, who was also injured, was rushed to the hospital by a concerned citizen in a private vehicle. However, he was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.
The suspect, estimated to be around 5’3” tall and slim, fled towards the mountainous area of Brgy. Bagabao, heading towards Brgy. Libertad, Kananga, Leyte. The Leyte Municipal Police Station (MPS) is conducting follow-up investigation and hot pursuit operations to apprehend the suspect. Nearby units have also been alerted to establish checkpoints.
Authorities are yet to disclose the motive behind the shooting. The Leyte Police Provincial Office, in addition, has deployed additional troops to secure the area. By Marie Tonette Marticio (EV Mail October 21-27, 2024 issue)
