2 lawyers shot dead in Pangasinan, Rizal

MANILA, Philippines — Two lawyers were gunned down in Pangasinan and Rizal yesterday. 

Lt. Col. Jandale Sulit, Dagupan City police chief, said Val Crisostomo, a legal counsel of Peryahan ng Bayan in Pangasinan, had just attended a court hearing when the gunman, who was wearing a black jacket and blue helmet, opened fire in front of the justice hall in Barangay Bonuan Guest.

The assailant fled on a motorcycle driven by his cohort toward Barangay Bonuan Binloc.

Crisostomo was declared dead on arrival at the Region 1 Medical Center.

“We have no motive yet because aside from being the lawyer of Peryahan ng Bayan, the victim was also handling several cases, including illegal drugs,” Brig. Gen. Joel Orduña, Ilocos police director, said.

Bernard Vitriolo, Globaltech Mobile Online Corp. legal head, said Crisostomo was in charge of the cases filed against National Bureau of Investigation agents who raided Peryahan ng Bayan games in Pangasinan.

In Rizal, Edilberto Golla Jr. was shot dead by motorcycle-riding men in front of his house in Barangay San Isidro, Rodriguez. He died at the scene.

Police said the victim was leaving his residence in his sport utility vehicle when he was shot.