Barangay chairperson, driver shot dead in Pampanga

The barangay chairperson of San Pedro Cutud and his driver died after they were fatally shot by unidentified gunmen at a gas station in San Fernando, Pampanga.

Initial investigation showed victims Matt Ryan dela Cruz and driver Henry Aquino stopped at a gas station for refuel their  sport utility vehicle  (SUV) when the suspects shot them, according to James Agustin’s Saksi report on Wednesday.

According to the Pampanga police, they gathered CCTV footage of the incident but they declined to publicize it while the investigation is ongoing. 

Apart from the two alleged gunmen, they also said they are looking into another suspect possibly involved in the incident. 

“Nag-activate na po ng Special Investigation Task Group ang pangalan niya po ay 'SITG Dela Cruz'. Pinagtulung-tulungan na po ng unit ng PNP para sa agarang resolusyon ng kasong ito,” Police Lieutenant Colonel Jaime Edejer, Pampanga PPO PCADU chief, said.

(A Special Investigation Task Group has been activated with the name "SITG Dela Cruz".)

Authorities are still investigating the identities of the suspects as well as the possible motive for the crime.

Malabon

Meanwhile, a barangay councilor of Panghulo, Malabon was arrested for allegedly threatening his neighbors with a gun. 

Investigation revealed that suspect Jaime Domingo allegedly saw his neighbors having a drinking session in front of his residence. Allegedly under the influence of alcohol, he reportedly got angry and threatened them. 

A video showed Domingo angrily instructing a group of men to return a table and chairs before attempting to fire his gun.  A separate footage showed his wife handing him what appeared to be a magazine for a gun. 

“Pagbaba niya ng sasakyan niya may hawak na siya ng baril. ‘Yung anak ko naiwan sa gilid, yun na siya, siya ang nilapitan, hinatak siya at the same time binaril na ang sa may bandang paa,” one of the victims’ mother said. 

(He alighted his car while carrying his gun. He pulled my son and  fired at the direction of his feet.)

“Akala ko ang anak ko, 'di na mabubuhay. Kasi ang sabi niya ‘gusto mo patayin ko sa harap mo? Criminal ako’,” she said. 

(I thought my son was going to die because he threatened that he will shoot my son in front of me. That he was a criminal.)

Domingo was apprehended and is now facing grave threat as well as alarm and scandal charges. Police seized from his possession a .45 caliber gun, six rounds of ammunition and two spent bullets.

“Pinakita niya itong mga kaukulang dokumento. Meron siyang LTOPF (License to Own and Posses Firearm), meron siyang registration at permit to carry firearms,”Malabon Police chief Police Colonel Jay Baybayan. 

(He showed documents such as an LTOPF, registration and a permit to carry firearms.)

GMA Integrated News has sought the suspect for comment and will share it once it is available.—Sundy Locus/RF, GMA Integrated News