TACLOBAN CITY – A retired municipal administrator of San Isidro, Leyte was killed in an ambush on the national highway in Barangay Libongao, Kananga, Leyte, on Wednesday, Dec. 21.
Police identified the victim as Juanita Balmoria Veloso, 77, a resident of Barangay Linao, San Isidro, and sister of San Isidro Mayor Remedio Veloso.
Initial investigation disclosed that the victim, together with driver Edmil Bacay and companion Leleena Veloso, were on board a white Sports Utility Vehicle towards San Isidro from Ormoc City.
Upon reaching Barangay Libongao, men armed with high-powered firearms on board a gray Nissan Navarra pickup truck with license plates ABN-7103 fired several times at the victims’ vehicle.
Juanita, who was sitting at the back of the driver, was hit, while Bacay and Leleena were unharmed.
Leleena ran towards a grassy portion of the road to seek cover while the suspects fled towards the direction of Capoocan, Leyte.
Juanita was declared dead on arrival in a hospital by the attending physician.
The Ormoc Forensic Unit recovered 40 empty shells of 5.56mm at the crime scene.
Police are conducting a hot pursuit operation and alerted all adjacent units for the identification and possible arrest of the suspects.