Village chief, teen slain in Negros

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — A barangay captain and a 16-year-old boy were killed in an attack by at least 10 assailants in Negros Oriental on Saturday.

Johnny Condez, 47, chairman of Barangay Kalamtukan in Bayawan town, and Danny Marata Jr. died during the shooting that occurred in Sitio Candollon.

The victims’ companion Danny Marata Sr. was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment of bullet wounds, according to Col. Julian Entoma, officer-in-charge of the Negros Oriental police.

Police said they arrested a man tagged in the killing of Condez and Marata.

Entoma identified the suspect as Jolan Sandot, who was collared in Sitio Tower in the same village.

Initial investigation showed Condez and his five companions went out in a government vehicle and two motorcycles to look for phone signals.

Condez had just alighted from the vehicle when the suspects, who were hiding in a sugarcane field, opened fire at them.

Probers said they recovered 23 bullet shells, a shotgun, two pistols and ammunition from the crime scene.

Police are eyeing family dispute as the motive for the killing.