UNIDENTIFIED gunmen killed a 42-year-old employee of the Commission on Elections in MacArthur, Leyte Tuesday, October 15.

Authorities identified the victim as Maureen Palejero Japson, election assistant officer in MacArthur town and a resident of Dulag, Leyte.

Police said that around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Japson was onboard a motorcycle driven by her officemate, Roldan Evangelista, and was on his way home when the gunmen, both wearing helmets and appeared to be just pushing a motorcycle, blocked their way.

Without saying any word, one of the gunmen pulled a handgun from his bag and shot Japson.

When Japson fell on the ground, the gunman further shot her several times before fleeing the area onboard a motorcycle. The gunmen sped off toward Abuyog, Leyte.

The victim's driver ran away from the crime scene out of fear and hid behind a house. He showed up later upon noticing the presence of policemen who responded to the crime scene, said the MacArthur Municipal Police Station in its report.

Japson was pronounced dead on the spot by Dr. Milda Closa-Marohom, rural health officer.

Police are investigating the incident. (SunStar Philippines)