Caloocan barangay chair gunned down

MANILA, Philippines — A barangay chairman in Caloocan City was shot dead by still unidentified masked, motorcycle-riding men early morning Saturday, Mayor Oscar “Oca” Malapitan confirmed in a statement.

The victim was identified as Barangay 151 Chairman Gally Dilao of the city's first district and Zone 13.

Based on initial police findings, Dilao had been walking home along Progreso Street around midnight when he was shot and killed by men aboard three motorcycles.

“Labis nating ikinalulungkot ang pangyayaring ito. Si Kapitan Dilao ay hindi lamang isang tapat na lingkod-bayan kundi isa ring mabuting kaibigan. Congressman pa lamang ako ay personal nang malapit sa akin si Kap. Dilao, kaya batid natin na siya ay mapagmahal sa pamilya, mabait na kaibigan at mapagbigay na lider sa kaniyang mga nasasakupan,” Malapitan said in the Saturday morning statement.

The mayor said he has since ordered the local police under the leadership of police chief Col. Dario Menor to immediately investigate the matter.

“Tayo ay nakikiramay sa naiwang pamilya ng ating kaibigan. Patuloy nating ipanalangin ang hustisya at kaniyang katahimikan. Ang mga alaala at pagmamahal mo sa lungsod ng Caloocan, higit na sa iyong mga taga-barangay ay mananatili sa aming mga puso. Maraming salamat sa iyo, Kapitan Gally Dilao!”