MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – A regional director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) was shot Monday morning, December 14. 

DILG CALABARZON chief Renato Brion was shot in front of his office in Calamba City, Laguna at 7:35 am. He is now undergoing medical treatment at a nearby hospital.

In a statement, the DILG condemned the incident, saying that such a “dastardly act has no place in a civilized society like ours.”

DILG Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento has ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct an investigation and a manhunt for the perpetrators.

“Rest assured that the DILG will leave no stone unturned until the perpetrators will be brought to justice,” said the agency in its statement. “We would like to assure our countrymen that the DILG will not be fazed by this challenge and we shall continue to put the interests of our people on top of our priorities.”

Before taking over DILG CALABARZON last May, Brion served as the agency’s regional director for NCR, Region III, and Region II.

The DILG said Brion is due to retire in the next few months. – Rappler.com