Former Bayan Muna Bicol head gunned down in Naga City

Former Bayan Muna regional head and Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) campaign committee head Neptali Morada, 40, was shot and killed while riding his motorcycle in Barangay san Isidro, Naga City on Monday morning. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO / MARIA THERESA IRAOLA

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — The former Bayan Muna regional head in the Bicol region was gunned down in Naga City on Monday morning.

Neptali Morada, 40, who had also served as Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) campaign committee head, was on his way to the Camarines Sur Capitol Hall in Pili, where he worked as a staff of former Vice Governor Ato Peña, when unidentified gunmen attacked him in San Isidro village at 7:30 a.m.

Senior Master Sergeant Tobias Bongon, Naga City police spokesperson, said they are now conducting choke point operations and flash alarm in the pursuit of the suspects.

Bayan Bicol public information officer Vince Casilihan said Morada left Bayan in 2000.

The killing of Morada happened just two days after two staff members of the human rights group Karapatan were killed in Sorsogon City.

A Mass was offered by Bishop Arturo Bastes of Sorsogon for Nelly Bagasala and Ryan Hubilla at 10 a.m. on Monday. (Editor: Eden Estopace)