Village councilor shot dead in Zambo

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A village councilor was gunned down by lone assassin Saturday morning in a village near the downtown this city, according to police.

Police identified the victim as Kagawad Michael Magallanes of Barangay Sta. Catalina, who was also the outgoing president of the Rotary West district this city, said Senior Inspector Shellamie Chang, spokesperson of Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO).

Chang said the victim was shot dead about 7:19 a.m. by unidentified assailant using a caliber .45 pistol at Betty 2 Drive, Barangay Sta. Catalina.

City Councilor Jimmy Villaflores, former barangay chairman of the said village, said the victim was known to be passionate about volunteering and giving back to his community. The victim was also his former treasurer.

Villaflores said the victim was on board his motorcycle heading to Sitio Lustre of the same village, supposedly to participate in a feeding program when he was shot in broad daylight.

Witnesses said the suspect casually walked away and escaped before the arrival of the police authorities.

Authorities said it was the second attempt on Magallanes since last year before he succumbed to gunshot wounds on his head and shoulder.

Chang said police investigators are looking at different angles to determine the motive behind the gun slay.

She said the attack came at a time when authorities announced that the shooting incidents in this city were reduced, from 50 cases during the first semester last year to 40 cases of the same period this year or a 20 percent drop from the previous year.