Ex-village councilor, tanod, 1 other die in Laguna ambush

MANILA, Philippines — A former barangay kagawad (village councilor), his father-in-law, and a barangay tanod (watchman) were killed after an unidentified armed man shot them in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna on Wednesday morning.

Police identified the victims as Nestor Callanga, former barangay kagawad of Pulong Sta. Cruz; Milencio Patapat, barangay tanod of Barangay Pulong Sta. Cruz in Laguna; and Carlos Manimtim, father-in-law of Callanga.

Police said the victims were about to enter their car when the suspect shot them several times at Dita Rotonda, Barangay Rotonda in Sta. Rosa at around 8 a.m.

The suspect then escaped using an unknown vehicle.

Patapat was dead on the spot while Callanga and Manimtim died at the hospital.

Callanga’s 8-month-old son was injured in the incident and was brought to the hospital for medication.

Lt. Col. Eugene Orate, Sta. Rosa police chief, said in a phone interview that they had yet to establish a motive as an investigation was underway.

It was not also immediately clear how the other victims were related to Callanga.  (Editors: Julie Espinosa, Leti Boniol)