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Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Ilocos mayor, councilor assassinated
MANILA -- Reelected Mayor Philip Velasco of Bacarra town in Ilocos Norte and Councilor Marcelo Andaya were shot and killed by an assassin during a town festival celebration on Sunday night.
Both were rushed to the Governor Roque Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital for treatment but died a few minutes after arrival.
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Politics or personal grudge was tagged as either the principal motive in the gun-slaying of Bacarra and Andaya.
Wounded in the shooting were Provincial Board Member-elect Shirley Ongsin of the first district of Ilocos Norte; Josefina Galapon, 58; Josefina Bermudez, Analyn Pabillar, and Ronron Laguba, 9.
Ilocos Regional Police Director Leopoldo Bataoil said the gunman, whose identity remained unidentified, was slain by Velasco's security personnel after the exchanged of fire.
Velasco ran and won in the recently-conducted elections under the banner of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats against Villamor Ramelb of Liberal Party and Pacifico Velasco of the National People's Coalition.
Andaya also ran in the elections under Velasco's ticket.
Bataoil said the two victims were attending the coronation ceremony of Bacarra farmers' festival queen in the town's auditorium around 11 p.m. when they were attacked by the suspect.
Ongsin was reportedly hit by a bullet on her left shoulder while the other victims were hit by stray bullets in their feet.
Senior Police Officer 1 Romeo Llamelo, Chief Investigator of the Bacarra Police Station, said the incident happened when the victims were closely seated in one lane while watching the coronation ceremony.
At that juncture, the lone gunman approached Velasco and Andaya and suddenly opened fire several times. (Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Baguio. (May 22, 2007 issue)
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