2 dead in Ilocos shootings

MANILA, Philippines – A municipal councilor and a businessman were killed in separate shootings in Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte, respectively, over the weekend.

Freddie Arquero, councilor of Magsingal, Ilocos Sur, was shot dead by motorcycle-riding assailants in Barangay San Basilio yesterday morning.

Arquero was on a motorcycle on his way to join his colleagues in a riders’ club when he was killed at past 5 a.m., according to Chief Inspector William Nerona, spokesman for the provincial police.

The victim was declared dead on arrival at the Northside Doctors’ Hospital in nearby Bantay town.

Police have yet to determine the motive for the killing.

Meanwhile, motorcycle-riding men shot dead furniture shop owner Patricio Narciso, 60, in Solsona, Ilocos Norte on Saturday night.

Narciso was on a motorcycle when he was shot by two men in Barangay Laureta at past 7 p.m.

Probers recovered seven bullet shells for a .45 caliber pistol.

Police are eyeing an old grudge as among the motives for the killing.