Leyte village chief gunned down

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines — A barangay chairman in Albuera, Leyte was shot dead on Monday.

Andres Cruz, 46, chairman of Sherwood village, had just attended a hearing at a regional trial court in Baybay City when he was shot along Magsaysay Avenue. 

Police said Cruz was on trial for allegedly killing villager Paulito Paton-og on May 7. 

Paton-og was reportedly asking for a barangay certification from Cruz so he could avail himself of the cash assistance under the social amelioration program, but they had an argument, resulting in the shooting.

Records show that Cruz is facing charges before the Office of the Ombudsman for alleged involvement in the illegal activities of suspected drug lord Kerwin Espinosa.