Zamboanga, Tarlac village chiefs slain

MANILA, Philippines — Two barangay captains in Zamboanga City and Tarlac were killed in shootings in the past two days.

Serbelio Molina, reelected chairman of Barangay Cawit, was on his motorcycle on his way to the barangay hall when he was shot yesterday, Col. Alexander Lorenzo, Zamboanga City police chief, said.

Prior to the recently concluded barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE), Lorenzo said Molina was provided security after reporting a threat to his life.

Lorenzo said Molina later asked that his security be recalled.

In Tarlac, Edita Sarsuela of Barangay San Juan in Ramos town and her husband Edgar were biking in Sitio Bancag when they were shot on Thursday.

Reports reaching Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr., Central Luzon police director, said the couple suffered multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene.

In Batangas, a man was arrested at a hotel in Talisay after he was accused of acts of lasciviousness on an SK council member of San Juan City.

Identified only as Johver, the suspect allegedly tried to sexually assault the SK council member on the last day of a three-day training of newly elected barangay officials at a hotel in Barangay Banga.

The victim said she was looking for a car key in the room of her friend when the suspect went inside and locked the door.

She said the suspect tried to undress her, but she managed to fight back and escape.