CEBU CITY -- A barangay councilor who was reportedly an ally of the city’s lone district’s representative was gunned down inside a food stall on Sunday night.
The police identified the victim as Jose ‘Sadam’ Quiros, a councilor of Barangaty Tungasan in Olango Island, Lapu-Lapu.
The police said they are not discounting the possibility that the killing was politically motivated, especially since the victim was said to be an ally of Lapu-Lapu City Lone District Rep. Paz Radaza, who is running for mayor in the city.
Radaza has offered a cash reward of P300,000 to anyone who could provide information that would lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.
Radaza condemned the killing of her ally.
“Sa kadugay na nako sa politika, karon lang nga dunay ing-ani nga klasi nga binuhatan sa demonyo (In my years in politics, it is only now that an evil act like this happened),” Radaza said in a statement.
Radaza’s opponent, incumbent Lapu-Lapu Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan, also condemned the killing.
“I condemned in the strongest terms the killing of Councilor Jose “Sadam” Quiros. As the City Mayor, I cannot let this incident pass without taking action for the swift resolution of this case,” said Chan.
Chan also called on the police to create a special task force for the police ‘to solve this wanton disregard of life.’ Police said the victim suffered four gunshot wounds.
Police said aside from the two gunmen, another cohort stayed outside the food stall and served as a lookout.
Major Judith Besas, information officer of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, said that aside from politics, investigators are exploring other possible motives.
Police said the victim had an argument with someone before the attack.