Pampanga village chief, driver slain in shooting

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, Philippines — A barangay captain and his driver were gunned down at a gasoline station in Barangay Del Pilar in San Fernando, Pampanga on Tuesday afternoon.

Matt Ryan de la Cruz, 37, of Barangay San Pedro Cutud and his driver Henry Aquino were in a Mitsubishi Montero and fueling up at the gas station when unidentified men in a Toyota Vios opened fire, according to reports reaching Central Luzon police director Brig. Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr.

The victims suffered multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene.

Police recovered bullet shells for a .45-caliber pistol and a 9mm pistol at the scene.

Initial investigation showed the gunmen tailed the vehicle of the victims.

Pampanga Gov. Dennis Pineda ordered the provincial police office to assist San Fernando police officers in the investigation to give justice in the killing of De la Cruz and Aquino.

Pineda condemned the killing of De la Cruz, saying the provincial capitol lost a ”hardworking leader and a partner in public service.”