Pampanga village chief, 2 others shot dead

MABALACAT, Pampanga, Philippines – The chairman of a village in Bacolor town and two of his companions were shot dead by motorcycle-riding men in Barangay Bundagol on Saturday.

Rodrigo Lopez, chairman of Barangay Mesalipi; Pedro Sambo  and Merlito Naguit, were declared dead on arrival at a nearby hospital from gunshot wounds.

Provincial police director Senior Superintendent Oscar Albayalde said the victims, who were on a motorcycle, were on their way home when shot. He said investigators have yet to determine the motive for the killing.

Police recovered bullet shells for a caliber .45 pistol at the crime scene.