TACURONG CITY, Sultan Kudarat (PNA) – Authorities have launched a manhunt against motorcycle-riding gunmen who shot dead a barangay chairman in Lebak, this province, on Thursday evening, Jan. 26.
Lt. Col. Julius Malcontento, Lebak police chief, said on Friday, Jan. 27, that soldiers are helping them in pursuing the attackers of Rogelio Talagtag, 53, chairman of Barangay Basak.
Talagtag was standing in front of his family-owned variety store in Barangay Basak when two men aboard a motorcycle arrived at about 6 p.m. and shot him.
“One of them alighted and fired at the unsuspecting village official in the head and body, killing him instantly,” Malcontento said, citing police investigation.
The perpetrators sped off to an unknown direction after the incident, he added.
Responding police officers found eight empty shells and a slug for a .45 caliber pistol at the crime scene.
Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg, Police Regional Office 12 (Soccsksargen) director, has ordered the Lebak police to intensify the manhunt against the perpetrators and ensure that they are held accountable for the crime.