Businessman gunned down by alleged NPAs

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — A businessman was gunned down by suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay San Nicolas, Magalang, Pampanga, on All Soul’s Day.

The victim Pancho Magtoto, 41, a resident of barangay San Nicolas, was on his way home when the shooting incident happened, said Senior Supt. Rodolfo Mendoza Jr., Pampanga police director.

Mendoza said that the victim had just visited his loved ones in a cemetery and was walking in a barangay road when the killers on board a tricycle came from behind. At close range, the suspects then peppered bullets to the victim in different parts of the body, he said.

The assailants fled toward an unknown direction after the shooting.

Witnesses rushed the victim to the nearest hospital but expired while under treatment, police said.

Police investigators recovered at least two empty shells and one slug of a caliber .45 pistol at the scene of the crime. — Ric Sapnu