Sta. Mesa barangay captain slain

A barangay captain in Sta. Mesa, Manila, was shot dead by five still unidentified men inside his barangay office near the campus of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, yesterday morning.

Reports reaching the Homicide Section of the Western Police District identified the victim as Diosdado Reyes, 60, barangay chairman of Barangay 628, Zone 63.

According to initial police investigation, Reyes had just entered the barangay hall along Anonas street at about 8:45 a.m. when the five suspects, armed with caliber .45 pistols entered and shot him several times at close range.

Witnesses said the suspects were apparently waiting for the victim’s arrival and even pretended to be barangay clearance applicants.

Reyes was hit several times in the body and once in the head. He died on the spot. The suspects then commandeered a passing tricycle and sped away towards Teresa street.

Investigators are checking whether the shooting was the handiwork of urban communist hit men or was politically motivated as the victim is allegedly a staunch supporter of Manila 6th District Rep. Mario Crespo alias Mark Jimenez.

Police added that the victim also received several death threats complete with black ribbons last May just after the elections.

Meanwhile, a house painter was shot dead by a security guard in Tondo, Manila, early yesterday morning.

Police reports identified the victim as Ernesto Paragas, 27, of 3823 Anacleto Extension, Sta. Cruz, Manila.

Initial police reports said the victim was quarreling with a certain Boy Santos inside the Manotoc Compound along Pampanga street at about 1:30 a.m.

Reports said that at the height of their quarrel, Santos, who was reportedly armed with a knife, allegedly shouted "robbers, robbers" which apparently scared Paragas away.

Police said the commotion attracted the attention of compound security guard Romeo Fuentes who fired at Paragas with his caliber .38 revolver.

Paragas died upon arrival at the Chinese General Hospital from bullet wounds in the body and the head. Police are still tracking down the suspect who fled right after the shooting.