Ex-broadcaster turned village chief shot dead in Davao City

MANILA, Philippines—A former broadcast journalist turned barangay (village) chair was gunned down by riding-in-tandem suspects in Davao City Sunday evening, police said.

Aldion Layao, who had worked as broadcast journalist in several radio stations, including the city’s GMA Super Radyo, and host of a politically-funded television program before serving as first time barangay chair in Lacson village, was shot dead by two motorcycle-riding men along Purok 4 of Calinan poblacion at around 9:30 p.m. Sunday, according to Senior Inspector Jay Francia, Calinan police station commander.

Francia told the INQUIRER by phone that Layao had just attended a meeting and was on his way home driving his Sport Utility Vehicle when waylaid.

Based on the spot report Monday shown to INQUIRER.net, Senior Superintendent Ronald dela Rosa, Davao City police director said the suspects were onboard a TMX single motorcycle.

Dela Rosa added that Narciso died after sustaining two gunshot wounds to the left side of his neck.

“We are still on the process of investigating and might ask some personalities who were with Layao prior to the shooting,” Francia said.

“It’s been a common knowledge here that Layao had some conflict with some of his kagawad (councilmen),” Francia added.

Dela Rosa also said that even though Narciso was a former media man, the attack on him could be more politically motivated.

Dela Rosa added the police recovered three spent shells from a .45-caliber pistol from the crime scene.