CAMP PRESIDENT ELPIDIO R. QUIRINO, Bulag, Bantay, Ilocos Sur – A lawyer was gunned down by gunmen onboard a motorcycle in a gasoline station in Barangay Sta. Monica, Magsi-ngal, this province, Thursday afternoon.
Chief Insp. Greg Guerrero, spokesperson of the Ilocos Sur police provincial office, identified the victim as Melver Tolentino, 42, of Barangay San Lucas, Magsingal, and Barangay Benagan, Batac City, Ilocos Norte.
A witness told police that Tolentino was having his car filled with gas when the suspects approached and shot him several times using an M16 Armalite rifle at about 5:45 p.m.
Guerrero said the suspects fled while the victim was taken to the nearby Magsingal District Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Police recovered 20 empty shells for an M16 Armalite rifle at the crime scene.
Tolentino was reportedly handling several illegal drug cases before he was killed. He was also the legal counsel of the Ilocos Sur provincial board. (Freddie G. Lazaro and Erwin G. Beleo)