TACLOBAN CITY – Two persons were allegedly gunned down by an armed band harassing residents of Balocawe, Gandara, Samar, Thursday, June 23.
The victims were identified as Renato Pelambergo, 54, and Dionisio Caber, 58, both residents of Balocawe, a remote barangay about six hours boat ride and hike from the town proper.
Initial reports disclosed that an armed band allegedly led by a certain Boboy Duran, alias “Obet,” harassed residents.
Police claimed that the suspects harvested coconuts owned by residents, prompting some of them to confront the intruders.
The gunmen shot and hacked the victims who died on the spot then beheaded Pelambergo.
A certain Gil Magbutay, 50, of Barangay Rawis, Gandara and several others were able to escape. However, they remain missing as of posting time.
Gandara Mayor-elect Warren Aguilar hinted that the incident is somewhat still related to the town's local political dynamics.
The camp of Aguilar said in a media interview that the fatalities were their political leaders during the recent elections.