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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider Cop, village chair killed in barangay fiesta shooting

Cop, village chair killed in barangay fiesta shooting

Published May 25, 2026 11:53 am  |  Updated May 25, 2026 01:20 pm
SANTO TOMAS, Isabela – Four persons, including a police officer and a barangay chairman, were killed and four others were injured in a shooting incident during a fiesta celebration in Barangay San Rafael Abajo here on Sunday night, May 24.
Police identified the fatalities as Jim, chairman of Barangay Colunguan, Santo Tomas, Isabela; Corporal Fred, a police officer assigned to the Santo Tomas Municipal Police Station and a resident of Barangay San Rafael Abajo; Mar, 18, and an unidentified male.
The injured were a police master sergeant also assigned to the Santo Tomas Municipal Police Station; Marie, 37, a resident of Barangay San Rafael Abajo; and two minors, Lar, 17, and Jay, 17, residents of Barangay Centro, Santo Tomas, Isabela.
Investigation said that the victims were attending the fiesta when unidentified men onboard a white van and two motorcycles arrived and opened fire at them. The suspects fled.
Two victims died on the spot from bullet wounds. The other victims were taken to the Milagros Albano District Hospital in Cabagan, Isabela.
Recovered in the area were five fired caliber 5.56 cartridge cases and two fired caliber .45 cartridge cases.
Mayor Leandro Antonio P. Talaue here condemned the incident and condoled with the families of the victims.
The mayor assured immediate assistance to the families of the victims, including burial aid, financial assistance, and psychosocial support.
He directed the Local Peace and Order Council, the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, and the Philippine National Police to conduct a deeper investigation on the incident and identify the suspects.
Additional security measures and personnel have been ordered in the community.
The municipal government said concerned offices were ordered to provide medical, psychological, and trauma support to the victims and witnesses and coordinate with their families regarding funeral arrangements and other forms of assistance.
The local government strongly condemned the violence and urged the public to remain calm, refrain from spreading unverified information, and cooperate with authorities as the investigation continues.
Police have launched manhunt and follow-up operations.
The Police Regional Office-2 headed by Police Brig. Gen. Mariano C. Rodriguez condemned the incident.
A Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) has been created to conduct an in-depth investigation and case buildup.
“The Police Regional Office-2 strongly condemns the violence that occurred in Santo Tomas, Isabela. We will not allow fear and violence to prevail in our communities. I have directed the Isabela PPO and all concerned units to conduct an intensive investigation to immediately identify and arrest those responsible. All operations will continue until the perpetrators behind this incident are brought to justice,” Rodriguez said.
PRO-2 condoled with the families of the victims and prayed for the recovery of the injured.
Police assured the people that they remain steadfast in their duty to protect the people, uphold the law, and ensure that justice prevails.

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Santo Tomas Isabela Shooting Deaths
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