AN INCUMBENT village chief in Isabela town, Negros Occidental was gunned down by four unidentified men at Barangay Cabcab Monday morning, August 20.
Killed was Rhoy Pagapang, 38, captain of Barangay Libas.
Senior Inspector Randy Babor, town police chief, said the victim and a village watchman were riding a motorcycle on their way to town proper when Pagapang decided to drop by Barangay Cabcab around 10 a.m.
When they reached the area, Pagapang stopped for a while to do his personal necessity, but four gunmen suddenly came out from the sugarcane plantation and fired at him at close range, Babor said. He succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds and head injuries.
Pagapang’s companion was unharmed but he was threatened at gunpoint and his cellular phone was also stolen.
Police recovered from the scene eight fired bullets of .45 caliber pistol and another bullet of .9mm caliber.
The village watchman reported the incident to the police.
Babor said it could be possible that the perpetrators planned the killing because they knew where Pagapang was headed to.
Pagapang’s cellular phone and wallet were also carted away by the assailants, who were wearing bonnets.
Babor said they have yet to determine the motive but they are eyeing revenge due to the alleged involvement of the village chief in a shooting incident two months ago in Barangay Libas, victimizing a couple.
The police chief added that a frustrated homicide case was filed against Pagapang after he went to the house of Jomie Lacio to supposedly serve him a summon due to a personal complaint against him.
But, Jomie refused to accept it, which caused Pagapang to be irritated and allegedly hit Jomie but the latter got a bladed weapon and attempted to attack the village chief.
They grappled with the bladed weapon until Pagapang drew his firearm and accidentally hit Jomie’s wife on her hand. Pagapang also hit Jomie on his chest.
Babor said there is also a possibility that suspected rebels were also behind the killing but it is still subject for validation.
He said the victim previously received threats but he refused to divulge where the threats came from.
Meanwhile, the Leonardo Panaligan Command (LPC) of the New People's Army claimed the killing of Pagapang.
Ka JB Regalado, spokesperson of LPC, in a press statement Monday, said Pagapang was an alleged military asset.