Another reelectionist village chief killed

MANILA, Philippines — Another barangay captain seeking reelection in the Oct. 30 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections has been shot dead.

Erasmo Hernandez of Barangay Poblacion Zone 10 in Taal, Batangas was in front of the barangay hall at around 7:20 a.m. yesterday when unidentified men on a motorcycle arrived. One of the motorcycle riders reportedly shot Hernandez several times.

Hernandez died while being treated at the Lemery Doctors Hospital.

Witnesses said the suspects fled toward Sta. Teresita town.

Maj. Fernando Fernando, Taal police chief, said the motorcycle used by the suspects was found abandoned by the roadside in Barangay Halang.

Fernando said probers are reviewing footage of closed-circuit television cameras at the scene and nearby areas to identify the perpetrators.

Col. Samson Belmonte, Batangas police director, ordered the creation of a special task group to probe the killing.

A lone opponent is challenging Hernandez’s reelection bid.

Hernandez is the third candidate seeking reelection for barangay captain who has been killed.

Alex Repato of Barangay San Jose in Libon, Albay was shot dead after filing his certificate of candidacy last week. Jul-Asmad Anjawang of Barangay Pamanasaan was killed in Mabuhay, Zamboanga Sibugay on Sunday night.

Despite suspected election-related incidents, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said the PNP remains in control of the situation.

19 bets unopposed

Meanwhile, in Samar, the candidates for barangay captain in 19 of the 20 villages in Matuginao town are assured of their victory as they are running unopposed.

Matuginao Mayor Aran Boller said there was an unwritten agreement among barangay leaders to support a single candidate to avoid conflict.

Boller said only one barangay, which he did not identify, ”did not follow such agreement.”

While there is no contest in the barangay elections in the town, Boller called on authorities to maintain peace and order and ensure that there will be no election-related violence. — Arnell Ozaeta, Miriam Desacada