CANDELARIA, Quezon – Police have launched a hot pursuit operation against a man who shot and killed a barangay councilor and wounded a barangay tanod (watchman) in Sitio Tangke, Barangay Masalukot III here Saturday, June 25.
Police Lt. Col. Arnulfo Silencio, Candelaria police chief, identified the fatality as Mario Mendoza, 59, a councilor of Barangay Masalukot III, and the wounded as Danilo Evangelista, 57, barangay tanod, of Sitio Ibaba, Barangay Masalukot III.
Investigation showed that the victims and residents of the barangay were conducting a cleanup activity in Sitio Tangke at around 9 a.m. when the unidentified suspect arrived.
He drew a handgun and shot Mendoza several times in the body while Evangelista was hit by stray bullets in both legs.
The gunman wearing a gray shirt and medium built fled while the victims were taken to the Peter Paul Medical Center where Mendoza was declared dead.
Police are conducting an in-depth investigation to determine the motive and identity of the suspect.