Lawyer, aide shot dead after dawn Mass in Isabela

SAN PABLO, Isabela — A 38-year-old lawyer and his security aide were shot dead by two motorcycle-riding gunmen at 4:20 a.m. on Tuesday (Dec. 20) after they attended dawn Mass.

Arlan Castañeda, a former councilor, and Melito Binag, his 51-year-old security aide, were about to leave the local church when attacked, according to Senior Supt. Leon Rafael, Isabela police director. Three empty shells fired from a 9-mm pistol were found at the crime scene.

The former councilor died on the way to a hospital in Tuguegarao City. Binag died on the spot.

Castañeda widow, Joana, is a town councilor. She has not released any statement. CBB/rga