Town councilor shot dead in Cagayan

TUGUEGARAO CITY – A town councilor in Allacapan, Cagayan province was shot dead at a vulcanizing and repair shop in Labben village on Thursday, police said.

Zaldy Mallari, 58, died from gunshot wounds in the head and torso. The gunman reportedly walked casually towards a motorcycle driven by an accomplice after he shot the official.

Mallari, who was elected in 2016, was reportedly aiming for a higher post in next year’s midterm elections.

Mallari’s widow, Merly, and their son, Arjay, said the councilor had no known enemies. However, Mallari had reportedly survived a previous gun attack years ago although the police did not elaborate.

The police are checking into his personal and professional transactions for leads that would lead to the identity and the motive of the killers.

Senior Supt. Warren Tolito, Cagayan police director, said in text messages sent by the Danilo Ben Command of the New People’s Army, Mallari was allegedly accused of land grabbing and spying for the government.

These accusations have not yet been validated, Tolito said. /ee