A retired police officer was shot dead in Barangay Simbo, Tupi town, South Cotabato province on Friday afternoon, Jan. 3.
Police identified the victim as Teodorico Bastan, 79, of Barangay Datal Bob, T’boli town, South Cotabato.
Investigation said Bastan, chief of barangay tanods of Barangay Simbo, was driving a motorcycle with his wife as back rider on their way home when two unidentified men on another motorcycle appeared and fired at them.
Bastan sustained bullet wounds in the body and died on the spot. His wife was unhurt. The suspects fled.
Three empty .45 caliber pistol shells were recovered in the area.
Police said motive of the killing could be Bastan’s work as head of tanods. Follow-up investigation is under way.