Laguna village officer, driver killed in ambush
DASMARIÑAS CITY, Philippines—The president of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) in Sta. Maria, Laguna, was killed along with his driver in an ambush Tuesday morning.
Senior Supt. Romulo Sapitula, Laguna police director, identified the victim in a text message as Melchor Aranas, captain of Barangay (village) Bagong Pook. He identified Aranas’ driver as Joselito Albuen.
Senior Insp. John Eric Antonio, Sta. Maria police chief, said in a telephone interview the victims were in Aranas’ car on their way to report to the municipal hall when they were attacked past 8 a.m.
Antonio said three unidentified gunmen escaped on a single motorcycle.
Both victims died in a hospital in Pakil, Laguna.
Police said an investigation was underway to determine the killers’ motive.
Article continues after this advertisementAranas survived a gun attack in 2012.
Article continues after this advertisement“I still don’t think it was related,” Antonio said, explaining that the motive in the 2012 incident involved a “personal grudge” and that Aranas “decided not to file any case back then.”
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