Barangay official found shot in head

MANILA, Philippines - A barangay secretary was found lying along a Pasay City street with a gunshot wound in the head shortly before midnight Thursday.

Eduardo Roque, 36, was reported to be in critical condition at the Pasay City General Hospital, Chief Inspector Joey Gofort said yesterday.

Karl Christian Bonot, a tattoo artist, said he saw the victim being carried along A. Tolentino street by concerned citizens to the hospital.

Investigators said they are coordinating with officials of Barangay 121 Zone 12 to review footage taken by surveillance cameras in the area to find out what really happened.

Roque’s family surrendered his pistol to investigators, who are checking if the shooting had been an accident or a suicide attempt.

Barangay chairman Cesar Gatdula said Roque had been frequently admonished on his habit of playing with his pistol in public.