Ex-barangay chief slain, daughter hurt in gun attack

CABANATUAN CITY , Philippines  – A former barangay chairman was killed while his daughter was hurt when their motorized tricycle was waylaid by two motorcycle-riding gunmen in broad daylight near a mall here Friday.

Senior Superintendent Eliseo Cruz, police station commander, identified the former barangay official as Noel Acosta, 51, of Barangay Magsalisi, Jaen, Nueva Ecija. Acosta died from several gunshot wounds while being operated on at the Nueva Ecija Doctor’s Hospital.

His 13-year-old daughter Jodonna Neil was treated for injuries.

Cruz said the Acostas were aboard a tricycle on their way to the NE Pacific Mall along the Maharlika Highway at around 11:30 a.m. Friday when the gunmen approached them and fired shots. 

The police has not yet ascertained the motive for the killing although they are not dispelling the political angle, after it was learned that the victim had announced his intention to run again for the post of barangay chairman of his place.

The driver of the tricycle, Rodrigo Bondoc of San Juan Accfa here brought the victims to the hospital where the younger Acosta is listed in stable condition.

Police recovered six empty .45 caliber shells and two deformed slugs at the crime scene.