Retired jail officer shot dead in Bohol

TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines — A retired jail officer who was running for councilor in Talibon town in May midterm elections was shot dead about 500 meters from his house Friday afternoon.

Police Corporal Henry Estillore, desk officer of the Talibon police station, identified the victim as Bartolome Avenido, 43, a resident of Purok 4, Barangay (village) San Jose in Talibon.

Estillore said Avenido was a retired officer of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Talibon and was running for town councilor.

Initial reports said Avenido decided to go home after attending an affair at a school past 1 p.m.

Police said he was onboard his motorcycle when two gunmen opened fire, about 500 meters from his house.

The victim was rushed to Garcia Memorial Provincial Hospital but later died of his wounds.

Witnesses said the gunmen on board a motorcycle drove alongside Avenido before opening fire.

The killers then sped off after shooting the victim.

Investigators are still determining the motive behind the shooting.  /muf