CAVITE – A man who served as an election leader for the mayor-elect of Naic was shot dead on Saturday, May 24.

A report from the Police Regional Office 4A said the victim had just gotten out of his vehicle when a gunman approached and shot him.

Following the attack, the suspect rode pillion on a black scooter and fled, heading toward Trece Martires.

The victim was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

His role as an election leader for Naic mayor-elect has sparked speculation that the crime was politically motivated.

However, Naic Municipal Police Station (MPS) stated that it is too early to conclude whether the killing was linked to the mid-term elections.

“Mariin na binibigyang-diin ng awtoridad na sa kasalukuyan ay hindi pa nararapat na i-ugnay ang nasabing insidente sa naganap na proseso sa katatapos lang ng halalan. Ang naturang insidente ay kasalukuyang isinasailalim sa masusing imbestigasyon ng mga kinauukulang awtoridad upang matukoy ang tunay na motibo at mga salik na may kaugnayan dito (Authorities strongly emphasize that, at present, it is not appropriate to link the incident to the recently concluded election process. The case is currently undergoing a thorough investigation by the relevant authorities to determine the true motive and any related factors),” Naic MPS said on a statement posted on Facebook on Sunday, May 25.

“Hangga’t wala pang pinal na resulta ang imbestigasyon, anumang pag-uugnay nito sa halalan ay maituturing na ispekulatibo at maaaring magdulot ng maling impormasyon sa publiko (Until the investigation yields conclusive results, any attempt to associate the incident with the elections is considered speculative and may lead to the spread of misinformation among the public).”

The police are now looking for two suspects, including the gunman who was wearing a blue jacket, gray t-shirt, denim pants, and a white cap, according to CCTV footage from the crime scene.