Slain Manila barangay chairwoman in ‘narco list’

MANILA, Philippines — The barangay chairwoman who was shot dead outside a barangay hall in Sta. Cruz, Manila on Friday night was reportedly on the drug watchlist of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Aileen Guidotong, 47, had been considered a high-value target of the PNP since she was named by President Duterte as a drug protector when he assumed office in 2016.

Guidotong was talking to her secretary in front of the Barangay 314’s garage about a road clearing operation when a masked man fired at her.

She was rushed to the Metropolitan Medical Center where she died while being treated.

According to a source, Guidotong went into hiding after her secretary and another barangay chairman were killed in separate shootings last year.

Police said Guidotong has been in hiding since last year. She had just returned to work this month before she was killed.

Barangay 314 secretary Julio Turla was sitting in front of the barangay hall when a man fired at him on Aug. 23, 2018.

Turla served as councilman for 11 years before he was named barangay secretary. He also worked as a driver for Guidotong, police said.

Angel Joy Rivero, chairman of Barangay 330, died when two motorcycle-riding assailants ambushed him at the corner of Ma. Orosa and UN Avenue streets on Sept. 13 last year.