6 murders, 4 mishap deaths on New Year

MANILA, Philippines – The year 2016 was welcomed in the countryside with at least six separate killings and four deaths from vehicular accidents.

In Tuy town in Batangas province, former vice mayor Demetrio Alajar, 58, was killed by two unidentified men who attacked him near his house. His driver, Eugenio Macalindog, was also hurt in the incident and is recuperating at a hospital in nearby Balayan town.

Inspector Hazel Luma-Ang, spokesperson for the Batangas police, said Alajar was riding a tricycle when the attackers shot him several times. He died instantly.

In Urdaneta City, a 17-year-old girl was killed by a tricycle driver she accosted for throwing and breaking bottles on the street.

Investigators said the girl was celebrating New Year’s Eve when she accosted suspect Noel Estantino. The latter reportedly left but came back with a gun and shot the teenager.

In Marawi City, police reported the killing of Otical Awar, reported to be the city’s top shabu dealer. Two motorcycle-riding men reportedly staged the attack just as the New Year’s Eve revelry began.

Three persons were also killed in separate attacks in Cagayan and Isabela provinces.

Cagayan police said victims Michael Valdes and Angelito Mabbun, both 18, were walking along a pathway in a ricefield when they were strafed.

The Isabela police, on the other hand, said victim Andres Mamauag was attacked at his own house by unidentified men.

In Pangasinan, the Lingayen police reported the deaths of three people who figured in two separate vehicular accidents.  – Eva Visperas, John Unson, Raymund Catindig