AUTHORITIES have launched dragnet operations against suspects in the shooting of a village councilor in Sitio Naga, Barangay Consuegra, Leyte, Leyte on Thursday, September 7, 2023.
The victim was identified as Junie De la Peňa, 51, married, councilor of Barangay Tagbaca, Leyte, Leyte and a candidate for barangay captain in the October 2023 elections.
In the information released by the Leyte Police Provincial Office (LPPO), De la Peña was shot by unidentified male suspects, wearing black jacket on board a Toyota Hilux pick-up early Thursday morning.
The suspects fled after the incident.
“I have high hopes that the Leyte Municipal Police Station, together with other Philippine National Police units will now seriously engage in an in-depth investigation and follow-up operations to identify the perpetrators and immediately file charges against them,” said Colonel Erwin Portillo, police provincial director.
“We strongly condemn this tragic and abhorrent act of these lawless elements, and we will hold them responsible to ensure justice for the victim and his family. This incident will not diminish our resolve to strongly enforce the law and protect the community especially that the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections 2023 are fast approaching,” he added.
Initial investigation disclosed that the victim, along with his female passenger, was driving his chariot motor cab heading towards Barangay Tag-Abaca, Leyte, Leyte.
Upon reaching Sitio, Naga, the suspects onboard a Toyota Hi-lux suddenly appeared from behind and drove beside the victim’s vehicle and shot the latter, hitting different parts of his body.
The victim was brought to a hospital for medical treatment.
Meanwhile, Portillo appealed to the public and those who have witnessed the said incident to cooperate with the authorities in providing relevant information,
"LPPO will do its best to address this incident and file charges against the suspects so that people can live peacefully, without fear or intimidation," the police official said. (SunStar Philippines)
