After attending town session: Councilor shot dead

CEBU, Philippines — Ginatilan, Cebu Councilor Maria Liza Berongan Toledo was shot dead just as she exited the municipal hall after attending the town council’s regular session Wednesday afternoon.

She was hit in the chest and did not make it to the hospital alive. She was declared dead at 2:35 p.m. at the hospital in neighboring Malabuyoc town.

"Base doon sa initial report submitted by our chief of police, si Councilor Toledo ay binaril sa labas ng municipal building after attending the session doon sa Municipal hall (Based on the initial report submitted by the chief of police, Councilor Toledo was shot outside the municipal building after attending the session there)," Provincial Police Director Roderick Mariano told reporters.

Mariano said investigation is underway.

"We are trying to interview yung mga kasamahan nya sa Council, as well as yung relatives at family… baka may mga threat si councilor, we're trying to find out (We are trying to interview her colleagues in the Council, as well as her relatives and family… we’d like to find out if the councilor have received threats)," Mariano said.

Ginatilan Police Station chief Revelito Tadique said they will coordinate with counterparts at the National Capital Region Police Office, considering that Toledo reportedly frequented Makati City.

Tadique said they are also eyeing personal grudge as motive in the killing.

The suspect escaped and Tadique said no one reportedly saw the shooting as there was barely anyone outside the municipal hall at that time. In fact, the area where Toledo’s vehicle was parked – and where she was heading to – was closed off because of the upcoming feast in the town.

Tadique said the municipal hall is located in an interior portion of the area.

Ginatilan is located in southern Cebu about four hours away from Cebu City.  JMO (FREEMAN)