ENRILE, Cagayan -- A coordinator of incumbent Mayor Miguel Decena was shot dead by unidentified assailants along National Highway in Barangay Roma Norte, Enrile, Cagayan on Saturday.
The Cagayan Provincial Police Office reported that the victim was identified as Reynaldo Buenavente, 53, and a resident of Brgy. Roma Norte, Enrile, Cagayan.
Investigator said that prior to the incident, the victim was cleaning in front of his house near the National highway when a black motorcycle with two riders suddenly appeared and shot the victim several times.
The victim was brought to St. Paul Hospital, Tuguegarao City by the ambulance of this town for immediate medical treatment but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
Recovered from the scene were four fired cartridge cases for caliber 45 pistol, one fired slug for cal. 45 pistol and one metallic fragment.
The Enrile Philippine National Police sent a flash alarm to the neighboring police stations to check all motorists passing by to their area of responsibility.
Likewise a dragnet operation is being conducted by the PNP to ascertain the whereabouts and identities of the fleeing suspects.
Meanwhile, Cagayan PNP Provincial Director, Colonel Renell R Sabaldica, called on supporters of several candidates to avoid conflict and any untoward incident.
“Nananawagan si PD sa mga kandidato at supporters ng mga ito na huwag maging mitsa ng kaguluhan at ligalig ngayong darating na halalan,” Captain Isabela Gano, Chief PIO of Cagayan Provincial Police Office (PPO), told Manila Bulletin.
“Hinihikayat rin nito ang mamamayan na ipagbigay alam ang mga kahina-hinalang mga kaganapan sa kani-kanilang lugar para sa agarang responde. Inulit rin ng huli na ang Cagayano Cops ay nasa WAR (Willing, Able, and Ready) sa anumang posibilidad ng kaguluhan sa araw na ito,” added Captain Gano.
The Cagayan PPO has yet to validate if the incident was election-related.