Nueva Ecija village chief killed

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 15): Nueva Ecija village chief killed
 

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija -- An incumbent barangay captain who was running as municipal councilor in Talavera town this coming election was gunned down by unidentified suspect shortly before midnight Thursday.

The victim, Gerald Fermin, head of Barangay San Pascual, Talavera was running under the Liberal Party and an ally of Talavera town mayor Nerivi Santos Martinez.

Police said the victim was shot at close range.

Investigation showed that Fermin was attending the wake of a constituent and talking with two Bantay Bayan members, along with a certain Mario Samaira on the shoulder of the national highway when the gunman opened fire at around 11:30 p.m. Thursday.

Police said the victim sustained several gunshot wounds on his head and body, particularly on his back.

Scene of the crime operatives recovered several empty shells from 9mm pistol.

Police could not comment if the killing was politically motivated.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=876854