Abono party-list head shot dead in Pangasinan town

UMINGAN, Pangasinan, Philippines — Town councilor Ponciano Onia was shot dead by unidentified suspects Saturday night near the national highway in Barangay Lubong.

Onia, who is seeking reelection next year, is also the national president of Abono party-list.

According to reports from the Pangasinan provincial police office, Onia was driving his sport utility vehicle with two of his employees on board when gunmen on a motorcycle shot him several times.

Onia was rushed to the Umingan Community Hospital where he died at past 8:40 p.m. from multiple gunshot wounds.

His two companions were not hurt in the attack.

Investigators recovered at the scene eight spent shells for a .45-caliber pistol and two deformed bullets.

Brig. Gen. Lou Evangelista, Ilocos Region police director, expressed sadness over the killing.

“We strongly condemn this criminal act,” Evangelista said in a statement posted on social media, adding that the Police Regional Office 1 is committed to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation.

“Our investigators are working tirelessly to gather all relevant evidence and testimonies from witnesses. We are coordinating with local authorities to ensure that every aspect of this incident is thoroughly examined,” he added.

Investigators are working to catch the gunmen, establish their motive and file cases.