BANGUED, Abra – A barangay kagawad (councilman) was gunned down in Pilar, Abra yesterday.
Police identified the victim identified as Feliciano Macasiray Tobias, 58, barangay kagawad of Barangay Kinabiti, Pilar.
Investigation showed that the victim left their house at around 2 a.m. to visit his tobacco curing barn before he was killed.
A farmer who lives near the road where the victim was killed said he heard successive gunshots at around 3 a.m.
The victim who was found dead beside his motorcycle sustained multiple bullet wounds. Investigators found four spent shells for caliber 7.62 mm and five more spent shells of caliber 5.56 mm.
Tobias is reportedly an active supporter and leader of Pilar mayoral bet Dr. Amor Trina Dait who is up against Victor Berona, Chito Berona, and Maro Somera, son of slain Abra Vice Gov. Rolando Somera.
A resident said the manner in which the victim was killed indicates the handiwork of paid assassins. This, the resident said, hints that warlordism remains alive in the town.
Abra Gov. Ma. Jocelyn Bernos, whose local Asenso political party is behind the candidacy of Dait, deplored the local political violence and urged police to stop these senseless killings and those perpetuating such to justice. (Freddie G. Lazaro)
