Manila village chief slain in drug-related attack

MANILA, Philippines - A barangay chairman, whose name was on the Manila Police District (MPD) drug watchlist, was shot dead in his house in Malate on Friday night.

Barangay 751, Zone 81 chairman Angelito Sarmiento, 59, was declared dead at St. Claire’s Medical Center at around 10:44 p.m. despite efforts to revive him more than two hours after he was shot.

Four men riding two motorcycles were seen roaming at the victim’s house at the corner of Leyte and A. Francisco streets at around 8:30 pm.

According to a report from the Malate police station, Sarmiento and his wife just finished eating dinner and she was taking a bath when she heard shouts and gunshots.

She left the bathroom and saw her husband sprawled on the floor, bleeding. She called her brother to help bring her husband to the hospital.

Police also said that Sarmiento was once included in the MPD’s drug watchlist, but surrendered at the MPD headquarters.

Sarmiento’s brother-in-law also told police that the victim tested negative for drug use.

Sarmiento was supposed to gather today drug personalities in his barangay who surrendered under the police’s Oplan Tokhang.

Also in Manila, drug suspects Danilo Razoda, 58, and Roberto Alvarez, 33, were shot dead in a drug sting at Razoda’s home in Sta. Ana at around 2:45 a.m. yesterday.

Razoda’s sisters Rosalinda Bromeo, 48, and Ma. Elsa Morales, 33, were arrested.

In Quezon City, Adrian Mahusay, 21, was shot twice in the back by motorcycle-riding men at around 10:45 a.m. Friday.

The victim, who is recuperating in an undisclosed hospital, has been linked to robbery and illegal drugs, police records showed.