DAVAO CITY - The village chief of Barangay Poblacion in Santa Maria town in Davao Occidental was shot on Monday afternoon inside his home.
In a statement on Wednesday, Governor Claude Bautista of Davao Occidental said the province "mourns the assassination" of Barangay Captain Alex Abe inside his home along Jassi Street in Barangay Poblacion at 4:30 p.m. on Monday.
Claude said Abe "has always been known as a dignified dynamic young community leader of the municipality. "
He added that Abe was a "strong advocate" of President Rodrigo Duterte's campaign against illegal drugs.
"He religiously echoed the guidelines issued by the President on the conduct of anti-drugs operations. He successfully declared his barangay as drug free," Claude said.
He added that Abe had received death threats when he arrested two known drug dealers in the village.
Claude assured a speedy investigation and "take all means to bring the perpetrators to court."
"To the family of the late Brgy. Capt. Alex C. Abe, I am with you in this time of uncertainty. However, I assure you that the death of your brother will not be in vain. We guarantee that a speedy investigation and immediate arrests will be done," he said.