2 slain in Masbate shootings

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — Two men including a reelectionist councilor were killed in separate shootings in Masbate on Saturday.

Councilor Antonio de Ocampo, 50, and his companion Michael Angelo de Ocampo, 26, were about to board a pickup (NIJ 428) when the assailants opened fire at them in Placer town at around 9:30 a.m.

Antonio, who was seeking reelection in the 2019 polls, died at the scene, while Michael was taken to the Cataingan District Hospital for treatment.

Meanwhile, Oscar Fernandez, 28, and Roco Boris were on a motorcycle when they were shot in Barangay Buenasuerte, Uson town.

Fernandez died at the scene while Boris was taken to a hospital for treatment of gunshot wounds.

Police identified the assailants as Renald Alvarado and Recto Araneta, who fled after the shooting.

Probers have yet to determine the motive for the attack.