Barangay execs tagged in killings

MANILA, Philippines — A furniture shop worker and a village councilman were allegedly shot dead by their barangay captains in Ilocos Sur and Pangasinan on Friday.

Garry Renon was driving his motorcycle when Nelson Peralta, chairman of Barangay Namalangan in Santa, Ilocos Sur who was on another motorbike, allegedly fired at him.

Renon was declared dead on arrival at the Ilocos Sur District Hospital. Peralta escaped.

Initial investigation showed Peralta accused Renon of illegal logging.

Jessy Estrada, councilman of Barangay Aliwekwek in Lingayen; barangay chairman David Lomibao, and other village officials were responding to the reported presence of suspicious-looking men when Estrada reportedly went in the opposite direction and came out where the suspects were believed to be hiding.

Lomibao said he opened fire because he thought Estrada was among the suspects.  Estrada died at the scene.