Toledo barangay captain shot dead

CEBU, Philippines - A barangay captain and his live-in partner were shot dead by an unidentified assailant yesterday afternoon in Barangay Capitan Claudio in Toledo City.

Alexander Alqueza, 60, a retired policeman, and his live-in partner Irene Wamelda, 28, were on their way home onboard a multicab when an unidentified man wearing a helmet gunned them down past 4 a.m. yesterday.

Chief Insp. Michael Anthony Bastes, Toledo City police chief, said that the suspect tailed the victims on a red motorcycle before he shot them.

Bastes also said there were students riding at back of the multicab, but they were unhurt and were brought to the police station after the incident.

“Gikan to sila (victims) sa siyudad kay naa’y gi-asikaso siguro. Wa man kaayo’y sakyanan mo-agi, mao nga gipasakay na lang ‘tong mga estudyante,” he said.

Alqueza succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds in the face and arms while Wamelda obtained gunshot wound in her arm.

Police recovered four empty shells believed to be from a .45 cal. pistol. The assailants are still at large.

“Mao ra gyod to ilang nakit-an. Nagsuot daw og helmet. Perti pud daw kaayong kusuga nagpadagan,” he said.

The bodies of the two victims are now at the St. Francis Funeral Homes in Toledo City.   (FREEMAN)