Ilocos politician shot dead

PASUQUIN, Ilocos Norte, Philippines – A village councilor seeking a seat in the municipal council in next year’s elections was shot dead by two motorcycle-riding men here on Wednesday night.

Salvador Castillo, 55, of Barangay 6 Dilavo, was on his way home on a motorcycle when the assailants shot him in Barangay Caruan at around 7:30 p.m.

Castillo died while being treated at the Gov. Roque Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital in Laoag City.

Chief Inspector Jonathan Papay, information officer of the provincial police office, said a special investigation task group has been created to investigate the incident.

Papay expressed belief the killing was politically motivated.