Official shot dead outside church in Bislig City

MANILA, Philippines—Gunmen killed a local official in the troubled southern Philippines in a gangland-style shooting as he emerged from a church on Sunday, police said.

The gunmen opened fire on Rafael Viduya, 58, shortly after he stepped out of the church in Bislig City on Mindanao island and sped away aboard motorcycles.

Viduya, who was a member of a provincial government council, suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was proclaimed dead upon arrival at a nearby hospital.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and police said they were investigating the motive, which may have to do with his work.

Local politicians in the Philippines are known to employ “private armies” to harass or attack opponents.