A barangay councilor, who is running for village chief in the upcoming elections, was shot to death by motorcycle-riding assailants in Prenza, Balamban, Cebu on Thursday, October 5, 2023. | Contributed photo via Paul Laurothe shooting to death
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Police said a motorcycle tandem is behind the shooting to death of an incumbent barangay councilor in Barangay Prenza in Balamban, Cebu late Thursday afternoon, October 5, 2023.
The victim was identified as 60-year-old Anastacio Pacquaio, an incumbent councilor of Barangay Cansomoroy, who also previously worked as the chief barangay tanod.
Pacquiao, who was running as village chief in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on October 30, was shot dead at around 5 p.m. on Thursday.lamban
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Police Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Ace Pelore, spokesperson for Police Brigadier General Anthony Aberin, the director of the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7), told reporters that they already identified the two murder suspects.
He said that the driver of the motorcycle and his backrider, who was the alleged gunman, are now being pursued by Balamban police.
“The shooting incident is now being investigated. We already have suspects that we are pursuing now. Naa na tay mga suspetsado, identified na. And our police on the ground are conducting hot pursuit operation,” Pelare said.
Possible motives
Pelare said that Balamban police were able to identify the two suspects based on testimonies from eyewitnesses and the closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage that they recovered.
For now, Pelare said, they are considering politics and personal grudge as possible motives behind Pacquiao’s murder.
According to findings of the Balamban Police Station, Pacquiao was an active supporter of the police’s anti-illegal drugs campaign. He also earns commissions as a realtor and works part-time as a habal-habal driver.
The suspects, according to the investigation, both live in a mountain barangay in Balamban. They also have pending warrants for their arrest for a crime that was previously committed.
No death threats
Pacquiao died from a bullet wound on his head.
According to the police, Pacquiao was driving his motorcycle from his home in Barangay Cansomoroy on his way to Barangay Poblacion when the suspects fired a shot at him.
Pacquiao failed to make it to the hospital alive.
Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) recovered an empty shell of a .45 caliber at the crime scene.
During their investigation of the Balamban shooting, police learned that Pacquiao had a fight with someone last month. The victim also had no record of any involvement in illegal activities. He also did not report receiving any threats to his life.
Pelare expressed confidence that Balamban police will soon be able to apprehend the suspects.
Security adjustments
The police official also made a promise to ensure that justice will be served on Pacquiao.
“We would like to assure the public, although this is sad nga naay nahitabo ingon ani, ang inyong kapulisan buhaton ang tanan para madakpan ang mga suspects,” he said.
Moreover, Pelare said that some security adjustments will be implemented in Barangay Cansomoroy during the BSKE to ensure the conduct of safe and orderly elections. /rcg
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