Former town councilor shot dead

CEBU, Philippines -  A former councilor of Buenavista town in Guimaras was gunned down Tuesday evening.

Eric Paguntalan, 60, who owned a store and was into the business of sand and gravel and LPG distribution, was declared dead on arrival at the Buenavista District Hospital due to gunshot injuries on his left temple.

According to reports, the victim just came from his sand and gravel business site when the incident happened around 9 p.m. at Barangay Taminla.

"It's been his routine to get the daily earnings from his sand and gravel business before heading home to Barangay Salvacion," said Senior Superintendent Ricardo de la Paz, Guimaras Police chief.

Investigators theorized that Paguntalan, while riding on his motorcycle, was flagged down by the assailants who then shot him.

De la Paz said Paguntalan could have come to a complete stop because his motorcycle was on neutral gear. "We are looking at the possibility that he knew the suspects," he said.

Members of the Buenavista Police responded to the crime scene after a call for assistance. Two empty shells of 12-gauge shotgun were also recovered from the scene.

De la Paz said investigators have ruled out robbery as the motive of the killing. The victim's cash of P4,500 and his mobile phone were still in his possession when police arrived.

In the absence of more evidences and witnesses, de la Paz said they may consider business rivalry as the possible motive of the killing.  (FREEMAN)