Brgy treasurer hurt in shooting

CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines — A treasurer of the remote village of Diit in Matuguinao town of Samar was shot  early last night by still unidentified assailants, and is now in serious condition at the Gandara District Hospital.

Police identified the victim as Yolanda “Adang” Loberando, who was attacked while standing near her house at Barangay Aringit in Matuguinao. She suffered gunshot wounds on her shoulder and right portion of her abdomen.

Initial investigation said that Loberando was shot with a .45-caliber pistol by a bonnet-wearing gunman who quickly fled from the scene.

Loberando was a former commander of the New People’s Army, operating in the mountainous areas of Samar and Northern Samar provinces. She surrendered 10 years ago and, from then on, started her service to the government in the barangay level.

Matuguinao Police Station investigators bared that Loberando was reportedly planning to run as barangay chairwoman of Diit where she is working as barangay treasurer.

Senior Superintendent Nicolas Torre III, director of the Samar Police Provincial Office, said investigators have yet to determine whether the shooting has something to with the politics, or her past links with the rebel movement. (FREEMAN)