A 45-year-old barangay councilor was shot dead by two suspects on board a motorcycle while she was walking with her 11-year-old son in Quiapo, Manila, authorities said on Friday, August 16.
The Manila Police District (MPD) identified the victim as Stella Lim, a barangay councilor of Barangay 383 in Quiapo.
Based on closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from Barangay 393, the victim and her son were seen walking along Hidalgo Street in Quiapo on Tuesday night, August 13.
While walking, the suspects, riding a motorcycle, suddenly appeared behind them and shot the victim.
The gunman was identified as Amanudin Macadaag, and the unidentified suspect immediately fled from the scene.
A police investigation disclosed that prior to the crime, Macadaag was seen roaming around the vicinity of the victim's store located along Bautista Street in Quiapo.
Authorities added that he was also seen having a conversation with Zacaria Disomangcop, a former barangay councilor of Barangay 383, for several minutes before they parted ways.
Disomangcop was immediately informed about the ongoing investigation, so he and his relatives personally appeared at the police station to shed light on his alleged involvement in the crime.
However, witnesses positively identified Disomangcop as the person who ordered the killing of the victim.
On August 14, Disomangcop was presented for inquest proceedings and charged with violation of Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code (Murder by Shooting). He is now in the custody of the MPD.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the motive for the killing.
Meanwhile, the MPD is conducting a manhunt operation to arrest Macadaag and the other suspect.