Village watchman enforcing quarantine protocols slain in Pampanga

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO –– A barangay tanod (village watchman) was shot dead while working at a quarantine control checkpoint in Floridablanca town in Pampanga on Sunday, police said.

Joseph Labonera Sr. was gunned down at close range by one of two motorcycle-riding men who stopped at a checkpoint at Purok 1 in Barangay Del Carmen around 11:30 a.m.

Witnesses said the gunman wore a black jacket and a helmet.

The suspects sped off in the direction of Barangay Ascomo in nearby Guagua town. They have not been found as of Monday.

Before the incident, the 59-year-old Labonera had accosted someone for not wearing a face mask, according to Lt. Col. Roger Tomen, Floridablanca police chief.

“He (Labonera) was merely doing his duty,” Tomen said in a phone interview.

Wearing a face mask is mandatory in Pampanga. Violation of its ordinance faces a fine of P20,000 to P50,000 and jail time.

LZB