COUNCILOR Paulo Edison de la Rita of Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, was shot dead by two unidentified gunmen Monday morning, April 2.

Police said the incident happened around 7:35 a.m. Monday in Barangay Poblacion, Guihulngan City, while De la Rita was driving his motorcycle on his way home.

The assailants shot the councilor several times.

De la Rita was rushed to Guihulngan City District Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

The police are chasing the culprits, who wore helmets.

De la Rita was ambushed by alleged members of the New People's Army on July 20, 2017. He survived the incident, but six police officers and a civilian were killed.

Police Regional Office-Central Visayas Director Robert Quenery said they are looking into the possibility that the communist rebels carried out the attack. (KAL/SunStar Cebu)