A BARANGAY chairman in the province of Albay was shot dead on Monday, August 28, 2023 hours after he filed his certificate of candidacy for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
In a report reaching Camp Crame, the Bicol region police office identified the victim as Alex Repato, 51, the barangay chairman of San Jose in the municipality of Libon.
The motorcycle-riding suspects gunned down Repato in front of his house.
A hot pursuit operation against the suspect is still ongoing.
Last week, unidentified suspects killed Barangay Nogpo, also in Libon town, councilor Relly Saraba Mata and her husband Alfredo.
San Pascual Barangay Captain Oscar Maronilla and Bariw Barangay Councilor Salvador Olivares of Bariw, were also killed recently.
Albay third District Representative Fernando "Didi" Cabredo urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to intervene and investigate the killings in Libon town.
"We implore you, as the protector of the Filipino people, to prioritize an urgent investigation and restore peace in Libon," Cabredo said in a statement.
"Our last resort is to seek your attention, recognizing your authority to bring an end to this violence. We urge your prompt action to ensure the safety and security of the people in Libon," he added.
PNP regional director, Brigadier General Westrimundo Obinque said they have deployed 1,428 police officers across the region to ensure the peace and order as the election period and filing of candidacy for the upcoming BSKE started on August 28.(SunStar Philippines)