SAN JOSE CITY – A village chief was killed by a hooded suspect in Barangay Don Canuto Ramos here at about 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
Supt. Pedro Soliba, city police chief, said barangay chair Quirico De Asis died while being treated at the Premiere Medical Center in Cabanatuan City that night.
Soliba said the victim sustained three gunshot wounds from a cal. 45 pistol – two on his stomach and one on the left shoulder. He was initially brought to the Heart of Jesus Hospital here but had to be transferred to Cabanatuan City for further medical attention.
“The victim was sitting on a monoblock chair in front of the barangay hall near the entrance (and) beside the service vehicle when the suspect arrived and at approximately three meters distance, shot the victim three times,” Soliba said.
Soliba said they are pursuing at least three angles that include “business and personal”, saying someone appeared to be harboring ill feelings against him and his life partner, Christel.
“Since he is an elective official, we also look into politics,” he said but he noted that barangay elections is so far a non-issue. “It’s too far and he succeeded an ally,” Soliba stressed.
The victim was involved in palay trading but was “also a kind businessman.” “He never sued anyone whose checks bounced,” he said, citing a background check of De Asis.
Christel meanwhile cried for justice. “My husband was very kind. I want justice for him,” she said.