Ex-village chief, companion killed in gun attack

MANILA, Philippines – A former barangay captain and his companion were killed in a gun attack in Cotabato on Sunday.

Police identified the victims as Bernabe Abanella, 49, of Barangay Doroluman in Arakan town, and Jerson Semillano, 22, a resident of Barangay Makalangot.

Investigation showed the victims and three others were about to park their 4x4 Strada near a church in Barangay Doroluman around 8 a.m. when the gunmen fired at the vehicle, hitting Abanella and Semillano.

The victims were pronounced dead on arrival at the Antipas Medical Specialist Hospital.

The assailants fled on a motorcycle toward Barangay Balite in Magpet town.