Village chief, four companions killed in shooting incident in Pagadian City

A barangay chairwoman and four of her companions were killed in a shooting incident in Pagadian City Tuesday morning.

The fatalities were identified as Marianita Pitogo, 36, chairwoman of Purok Durian, Lison Valley, Pagadian City; her common law partner Renato Malantig, 40; Rosalinda Enodio, 38, of Purok Manga; Rosalita Cagas, 38, of Purok Durian; and Rowell Edoquio, 36, of Purok Durian.

Another victim, Susan Hunis, survived after suffering gunshot wounds on her leg and thigh.

In his report, Supt Michael Palermo, officer in charge of Pagadian City Police Station, said the victims left the house of Pitogo onboard a military jeep to attend Megayon Festival in Dao, Pagadian.

“Upon reaching the muddy and curved area of the road along Purok Dumalian, Lourdes, Pagadian City, the victims were attacked or shot in surprise by unidentified persons believed have positioned themselves at the shoulder of the road using bushes and grasses as cover,” he said.

The attack happened at around 7:30 a.m.

The victims were hit in different parts of their hands, feet, heads, and bodies.

Hunin was rushed to the hospital by a passing motorcycle (habal-habal) to Zamboanga Del Sur Medical Center in Dao, Pagadian City for medical treatment.

Palermo said the suspects were believed to have ran down the cliff as exit after the incident.

Recovered from the crime scene were nine pieces fired cartridge cases for Caliber 5.56 and seven pieces fired cartridge cases for Caliber .30. — VVP, GMA News