Barangay chief in Nueva Ecija shot dead

STA. ROSA, Nueva Ecija — A 62-year-old barangay chief was killed in a gun attack by unidentified assailants on a motorcycle at Purok 4, Barangay La Fuente here on Friday night.

Police identified the victim as Rene Sebastian, head of the said barangay.

Investigators said Sebastian was sitting with five other residents at the terrace of a certain Marlon Adriano at about 6:30 p.m. when he was shot at a close range.

Adriano said they heard four gunshots before Sebastian fell on the ground.

The assailant used a .45-caliber pistol, according to investigators.

Barangay Councilor Richard de Guzman rushed the victim to a hospital in Cabanatuan City, where he was declared dead at 7:28 p.m.

Police are still trying to establish the motive and identity of the assailants.

It was the first recorded violence on an elected government official at the onset of elections in Nueva Ecija. /atm